…. Institute inducts 363 New Members During Annual General Meeting
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), highlighted the critical role of Transport and Logistics in National Security and Development.
The Defence Chief, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, informed professional members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT NIG) about this during the institute’s 2025 National Conference and Annual General Meeting at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, from October 22-24.
The theme for this year’s conference was “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy.” The event drew participants from the military, maritime, transport, and logistics sectors, as well as policymakers and experts from across the country.
General Musa sees the conference as a “prestigious platform” that brings together industry leaders to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s transportation challenges. He commended CILT Nigeria for its consistent advocacy of professionalism, innovation, and capacity development in the logistics and transport industry.
Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Defence Chief commended CILT’s foresight and its sustained efforts in bridging the gap between stakeholders from various sectors of the economy. He noted that CILT’s contribution to logistics education, research, and professional training has had a significant impact on national growth and development.
“Logistics and transport remain at the heart of economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, and industrial competitiveness,” Gen. Musa stated. “These systems are the arteries that connect every aspect of our national life. Without efficient logistics, no economy, no matter how resource-endowed, can function effectively.”
He also stressed that the conference theme aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on sustainable development and security sector reform. According to him, the Blue Economy initiative—supported by efficient logistics and transport systems—can unlock vast opportunities in trade, maritime operations, and job creation.
While explaining the relationship between logistics and national security, Gen. Musa emphasized
that robust supply chains and transport networks are essential to national resilience. “The nexus between logistics, transport, and national security cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “They form the backbone of both economic activity and military capability.”
Speaking on military operations, the CDS explained that logistics remains the lifeline of successful missions—ranging from troop deployment to equipment supply and humanitarian response. “No military campaign, regardless of its brilliance in planning, can succeed without reliable logistics,” he noted.
He explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria continues to invest in logistics training through specialized institutions such as the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management. These efforts, he said, aim to build a new generation of skilled logisticians capable of supporting joint operations in complex environments.
General Musa also acknowledged CILT Nigeria’s partnership with the military in aligning logistics education with global standards—an initiative that enhances defence readiness and national resilience.
In appreciation and recognition of General Musa’s outstanding contributions to national security and leadership excellence, CILT Nigeria conferred on General Musa the Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award. The audience gave a standing ovation as the Defence Chief received the honour with gratitude, dedicating it to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“This award is not for me alone,” he said. “It belongs to every officer and soldier who defends our nation’s unity and sovereignty with unwavering dedication.”
The Institute also inaugurated 61 Fellows (FCILT), 166 Chartered Members (CMILT), and 136 Members (MILT). This brought the total number of members inducted for the 2025 AGM to 363.
The conference finished with a marvellous dinner and the presentation of the inaugural ‘Legacy Awards.’ These awards were given to deserving professional fellows, past presidents, and other key stakeholders who have contributed to the Institute’s success.
