Nigeria’s courier, logistics, transport and management sector could contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the oil and gas industry if its economic potential is fully harnessed, the Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI) has said.

The institute said improved logistics infrastructure, skills development and technology adoption could strengthen agricultural value chains, expand non-oil exports, create jobs and generate significant revenue for the economy.

Executive Chairman of CLMI, Professor Simon Emeje, stated this ahead of the institute’s 2026 International Conference and Investiture, scheduled to hold on November 26 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The conference, themed: “Powering African Trade and Agricultural Entrepreneurship through Smart Logistics,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across logistics, agriculture, trade, investment and entrepreneurship to examine how efficient supply chains can improve Nigeria’s competitiveness.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the event, while Hon. Ahmed Yakasi, former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, will deliver the keynote address.

Emeje said the sector remained underutilised despite its potential to support economic diversification, reduce poverty and generate employment, arguing that the country needed to address skills gaps and better integrate logistics into its economic development plans.

“There are jobs in Nigeria; what is lacking is skills,” he said, adding that the institute was working to refocus economic thinking and promote a stronger role for logistics in Africa’s development.

According to him, logistics extends beyond the movement of goods to underpin government administration, political activities, commerce and the delivery of essential services.

He said the institute was engaging international partners and other stakeholders to promote practical solutions to supply-chain challenges, particularly those affecting agricultural production, distribution and exports.

Emeje cited Obasanjo’s position that Africa would struggle to expand trade without efficient logistics systems, noting that the movement of goods from farms to markets, manufacturers to consumers, and local businesses to international markets depended on reliable supply chains.

The conference, he said, would examine how technology-driven logistics could help African businesses overcome distribution bottlenecks, reduce costs and compete more effectively in global markets.

The CLMI chairman also stressed the need to expose young people to opportunities in courier services, logistics, transport and management. He said the institute was collaborating with universities to encourage innovation and develop the skills required by the industry.

He added that the conference was timely as Nigeria sought to increase non-oil exports and reduce its dependence on imports. According to him, exporters need a better understanding of logistics requirements across the value chain, while policymakers must engage industry operators to develop policies that address operational challenges.

Emeje expressed the hope that the conference communiqué would provide recommendations to support the sector’s growth and strengthen its contribution to economic diversification.