The National Executive Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) Nigeria recently held a strategic retreat in Abuja to enhance the Institute’s professional impact and national relevance.

Led by Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, FinsTA, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, the high-level hybrid session brought together key national officers both in person and remotely to deliberate on critical reforms necessary to strengthen CIoTA’s governance, operational framework, and member value proposition.

Prince Obayendo emphasised the need to focus on the Institute’s mission rather than individual personalities and called for professional governance and modernised systems.

“Our focus must be on defining CIoTA by its professional mission, not by personalities,” he stated, setting a transformative agenda for the retreat

The retreat was attended by notable members, including National Secretary Mazi Philips E. Okoronkwo and National Publicity Secretary Dr. Mrs. Chizoba C. Anyika, with additional members participating remotely via Zoom.

He stressed the urgent need to professionalise governance, document standard operating procedures, and invest in a Secretariat equipped with modern competencies to drive sustainable growth.

Key outcomes included a commitment to professionalise governance through detailed policy manuals and a compliance system, as well as the establishment of a College of Elders/Fellows Forum for strategic guidance.

The Institute also announced that the 2026 National Transport Conference will take place in Lagos State, initiating a new rotational model for future events. Additionally, CONTRANSP was approved as the official registration partner to enhance membership services.

The retreat concluded with a commitment to implement these reforms effectively, reinforcing CIoTA’s role as the leading professional body for transport administration in Nigeria.