The Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI) says critical logistics gaps could undermine the 2027 general elections and has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address them early.

The executive chairman of CLMI, Simon Emeje, said this at a pre-event news conference organised by the institute on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Emeje said the institute had identified areas requiring attention based on logistics challenges experienced during previous elections, stressing that INEC could adopt different approaches to prevent a recurrence.

“We have seen these challenges in previous elections, but INEC can choose to do things differently by reviewing past experiences and improving its logistics planning,” he said.

He noted that logistics was central to election administration, as well as politics, governance and public service delivery, making efficient coordination essential to achieving operational success.

Beyond elections, Mr Emeje said Nigeria was underutilising the courier, logistics, transport and management sub-sector.

According to him, the sub-sector could contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product than oil and gas.

“A well-developed logistics industry can create jobs, reduce poverty and generate substantial revenue, provided Nigeria invests in the skills and infrastructure needed to unlock its potential.

“There are jobs in Nigeria, but what is lacking is the requisite skills. Nigerians must be equipped with the competencies needed to take advantage of opportunities in the sector,” Mr Emeje said.

He added that CLMI was working with some universities to introduce young people to courier, logistics, transport and management, with the aim of stimulating innovation and developing a skilled workforce.

Mr Emeje said such exposure should go beyond generating excitement to encouraging practical solutions, urging young people to channel their knowledge into innovations that could address economic and industry challenges.

The CLMI chairman also identified logistics as a critical link in agricultural production, manufacturing, domestic distribution and international trade, particularly as Nigeria sought to expand its non-oil exports.

He said efficient transportation and delivery systems could help exporters move products from farms and factories to markets while addressing barriers that limited the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

Mr Emeje said the institute’s forthcoming conference would bring stakeholders together to examine how smart logistics could strengthen African trade, agricultural entrepreneurship and investment.

He said the conference would provide a platform for practical discussions, business connections and investment opportunities.

The conference, scheduled for November 26 in Lagos, will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also, Ahmed Yakasi, former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, will deliver the keynote address.

Other expected speakers include Bamidele Ayemibo, president and board chairman of the Institute of Export and International Trade, and Sonny Allison, founder of Redstar Express Plc.

Boboye Oyeyemi, president and chairman-in-council of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, is also expected at the event.

 (NAN)