Courier, logistics can boost nation’s GDP by 60% says Emeje

The Executive Chairman, Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI), Professor Simon Emeje, has disclosed that the courier and logistics sub-sector can boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 60 per cent, if fully maximised. With assets worth over ₦15 trillion, the don, however, said the sector requires regulatory excellence and innovation.

The don stated this during a press conference to announce Vice President Kashim Shettima as a special guest of honour to the CLMI International Conference and Investiture scheduled for November 14.

Emeje, who is the first Professor of courier, logistics, transport, and management, expressed serious concern that the sector was yet to be tapped, primarily due to the government’s inability to entrench regulations that will drive innovation, investments and growth.

To him: “This industry that has such huge assets should have the Federal Government’s recognition. The country is looking for measures to increase revenue and stabilise the economy. Maybe it has not occurred to policymakers, both at the federal and State levels, that logistics and courier services contribute to economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and services, which improves supply chain efficiency, reduces costs, and increases competitiveness.

“The logistics sector in every economy employs millions of people more than the oil and gas sector, including truck drivers, warehouse workers, supply chain managers, and freight forwarders, amongst others.”

Speaking further, he added: “This is why CLMI exists. We are here to assist the system, particularly in helping the government with policies and regulations, while training professionals to remain profitable and ethical. Other countries are already consulting us, but charity they say starts at home. We make bold to say that when logistics infrastructure, such as ports, airports, and customs procedures, are well developed, they enable global trade and economic integration. That way, the logistics industry contributes to national income and foreign investment influx. Courier services play an important role in driving efficiency and meeting customer demands.

“Out of the N15 trillion worth of assets, just 20 per cent of the combined market of Courier, Logistics, Transport and Management is currently being utilised across Nigeria,” he noted.

Regarding skills development in the sector, he said: “The professionals in these combined areas of courier business are very few. We have less than 10 per cent of experts that can embark on capacity building and proper training that will set the economy in 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 revealed the CLMI International Conference and Investiture is themed: “Unlocking Economic Potentials and Fostering Nation-Building through Logistics Instruments”.

Specifically, he said the conference is being convened as a platform for the regulators and players to discuss issues affecting the industry, adding that as a significant component of the economy, logistics affects the rate of inflation, interest, productivity, energy costs and availability, and other aspects of the economy.