The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) has raised alarm over the growing insecurity in the country’s transportation systems, urging urgent reforms to sanitize the sector and protect the lives of commuters. The call was made during the LASU-NACOLM Transport and Logistics Conference and Induction held at Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the National President of CIoTA said the transportation sector has become a major source of concern due to its unregulated nature, which has turned it into what he described as “an all comers affair.” According to him, the lack of entry barriers and professional standards has created an unsafe environment on Nigerian roads, waterways, and other transport routes.
He noted that anyone with a few million naira can purchase a vehicle and operate as a transporter, without any knowledge of safety procedures, passenger care, or transport ethics. This, he said, has led to widespread chaos and insecurity, endangering lives and damaging public trust in the system.
“The purpose of this gathering is to re-examine our ways and our current realities in the transport sector. We’re not happy with what we see on our roads and waterways,” he said. “This is why we are calling on all stakeholders to begin the process of professionalizing transportation in Nigeria. There must be a code of conduct, there must be standards.”
The president emphasized that CIoTA is committed to being a leading voice in the push for safety and security in the transportation industry. He said the institute is not only advocating for better policies but is also inducting new professionals who share the vision of a safer, more organized sector.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Chairman of CIoTA highlighted the importance of deliberate and sustained efforts to make transportation in Nigeria secure. He stated that beyond infrastructure, there is a need for systems that promote discipline, training, and regulation across all modes of transport, from road to rail, air, and waterways.
The conference also served as a platform for industry stakeholders, academics, and newly inducted members to reflect on the challenges facing the sector and develop strategies for improvement. Participants agreed that insecurity in transportation cannot be addressed without a total overhaul of the current approach to regulation and professional practice.
CIoTA reiterated its call for a national framework that mandates professional training and certification for all transport operators. The institute believes that a structured, knowledge-based approach to transportation will reduce accidents, curb insecurity, and create a system that supports economic development.
As insecurity continues to plague Nigeria’s transport systems, CIoTA says it will continue to engage with government agencies, security outfits, and private sector stakeholders to push for sustainable solutions that make transportation safe, secure, and efficient for all.
