The Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI) has issued an urgent call for the establishment of an independent regulatory commission to rescue Nigeria's struggling courier and logistics sector from its current state of stagnation.
Critical Need for Regulatory Framework
Professor Simon Emeje, the Executive Chairman of CLMI, made this passionate appeal during a press briefing ahead of the institute's International Conference and Investiture scheduled for November 26. He emphasized that without a structured regulatory body to harmonize policies and stabilize the operating environment, the industry cannot progress.
Nigeria, despite being Africa's largest economy, remains among the less than three percent of countries worldwide without an independent regulatory framework for its logistics and courier sector. This alarming gap has created numerous challenges for operators, including inconsistent tariffs, conflicting policies, and a generally harsh business climate that has forced many companies to either shut down or diversify into other sectors.
"If this is not done, we are not moving anywhere. Nothing will move in the industry," Professor Emeje declared. "Operators are crying out seriously; some have closed businesses, others have left the industry entirely because the regulatory environment has been very harsh."
Overlapping Controls and Economic Impact
The CLMI chairman highlighted how the absence of a unified regulatory body has led to overlapping controls, particularly from customs and other government agencies, leaving operators stranded and confused. He stressed that the courier and logistics industry is highly technical and requires professional management rather than being handled by non-specialists.
While acknowledging the importance of digitalization, Professor Emeje cautioned stakeholders against relying solely on digital reforms without strengthening physical logistics infrastructure. "Your computer cannot deliver this bottle to America. Somebody, a channel, a vehicle must carry it to the last mile," he pointed out, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of physical goods movement.
The economic potential of the sector remains enormous, with Nigeria's logistics market valued at approximately $60 billion and asset value estimated between N15 trillion and N20 trillion. Despite this massive potential, the country lacks sufficient logistics professionals, though institutions like CLMI are working to expand training opportunities and push for logistics inclusion in university curricula.
Long-Delayed Reforms and Continental Solutions
Professor Emeje expressed deep concern about the prolonged delay in passing crucial regulatory bills that were initially drafted as far back as 2005. He revealed that hopes for establishing the commission were high at that time, but nearly two decades later, the bill has yet to be enacted into law.
On global trade challenges, the CLMI chairman commented on rising U.S. tariffs under shifting international policies, urging Nigeria and other African nations to strengthen intra-continental trade through existing frameworks like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Africa possesses abundant resources and an internal market large enough to drive economic growth without overdependence on foreign markets, Professor Emeje argued, pointing to the continent's untapped potential for self-sustaining economic development.
The upcoming CLMI International Conference and Investiture, themed "Building Entrepreneurship and National Wealth Through Trade Logistics," will feature prominent figures including Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, as conference chairman, and Senator Adedayo Clement Adeyeye, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, as keynote speaker.
The event will also gather renowned personalities shaping Africa's logistics and trade landscape, including Capt. Giorgio Enrico Del Celo, CEO of Primenext Logistics; Dr. Sola Obabori, Executive Director of Corporate Services at NAHCO; Dr. Sonny Allison, Founder of RedStar Plc.; and Dr. Ebere Njoku, Director-General of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry, among other distinguished participants.
