Courier, logistics industry can Boost Nigeria’s GDP by 60% – Institute

The Executive Chairman, Courier and Logistics Management Institute, Simon Emeje, has said the courier and logistics sub-sector can boost Nigeria’s gross domestic product by 60 per cent if fully tapped.

The CLMI boss said tapping into the industry with assets worth over N15tn requires regulatory excellence and innovation.

Emeje made these remarks on Friday during a press conference in Lagos, where he announced Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, as the distinguished special guest of honour for the CLMI International Conference and Investment.

The conference will be held on November 14, 2024, in Lagos under the theme “Unlocking Economic Potentials and Fostering Nation-Building through Logistics Instruments.”
The executive chairman expressed dissatisfaction that the full potential of the sector was yet to be tapped, primarily due to the government’s inability to entrench regulations that would drive innovation, investments, and growth.

Emeje said, “This industry, with its vast assets, deserves federal recognition, Logistics and courier services drive economic growth by over 60 per cent and enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and boost competitiveness.”
The CLMI chief highlighted the sector’s significant employment potential, surpassing the oil and gas industry.
He said, “Millions of Nigerians work in logistics, including truck drivers, warehouse workers, supply chain managers, and freight forwarders.”
He emphasised CLMI’s role in supporting the government with policy development and professional training.

“Well-developed logistics infrastructure enables global trade, economic integration, and national income growth, Courier services are vital for efficiency and meeting customer demands,” Emeje noted.

Emeje called on policymakers to recognize the sector’s potential and develop supportive regulations.
On skills development in the sector, he said, “The professionals in these combined areas of courier business are very few in number. We have less than 10 per cent of experts that can embark on capacity building and proper training that will set the economy in a good shape.

“There is no sector of the Nigerian economy or the global economy that is not tied to these four areas. The government is looking for money to develop infrastructure, but the money is in our hands. Just we don’t know how to tap them,” Emeje noted.