The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has underscored the critical role of logistics and transport systems in strengthening national security, driving economic growth, and promoting sustainable development.
He made this known while addressing stakeholders at the 2025 Annual National Conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, held in Lagos.
The high-level gathering, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy,” drew participants from the military, maritime, transport, and logistics sectors, as well as policymakers and experts from across the country. Discussions at the event centred on strategies to boost Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure as a key pillar of the nation’s emerging Blue Economy agenda.
General Musa described the conference as a “prestigious platform” that brings together industry leaders to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s transportation challenges. He commended CILT Nigeria for its consistent advocacy of professionalism, innovation, and capacity development in the logistics and transport industry.
In his goodwill message, the Defence Chief lauded the Institute’s foresight and its sustained efforts in bridging the gap between stakeholders from various sectors of the economy. He noted that CILT’s contribution to logistics education, research, and professional training has had a significant impact on national growth and development.
“Logistics and transport remain at the heart of economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, and industrial competitiveness,” Gen. Musa stated. “These systems are the arteries that connect every aspect of our national life. Without efficient logistics, no economy, no matter how resource-endowed, can function effectively.”
He further observed that the conference theme aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on sustainable development and security sector reform. According to him, the Blue Economy initiative—supported by efficient logistics and transport systems—can unlock vast opportunities in trade, maritime operations, and job creation.
Highlighting the link between logistics and national security, Gen. Musa emphasized that robust supply chains and transport networks are essential to national resilience. “The nexus between logistics, transport, and national security cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “They form the backbone of both economic activity and military capability.”
Speaking on military operations, the CDS explained that logistics remains the lifeline of successful missions—ranging from troop deployment to equipment supply and humanitarian response. “No military campaign, regardless of its brilliance in planning, can succeed without reliable logistics,” he noted.
He disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria continues to invest in logistics training through specialized institutions such as the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management. These efforts, he said, aim to build a new generation of skilled logisticians capable of supporting joint operations in complex environments.
General Musa also acknowledged CILT Nigeria’s partnership with the military in aligning logistics education with global standards—an initiative that enhances defence readiness and national resilience.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to national security and leadership excellence, CILT Nigeria conferred on General Musa the Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award. The audience gave a standing ovation as the Defence Chief received the honour with gratitude, dedicating it to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“This award is not for me alone,” he said. “It belongs to every officer and soldier who defends our nation’s unity and sovereignty with unwavering dedication.”
Gen. Musa called for greater collaboration between the military, government institutions, and logistics professionals to develop a transport system that drives inclusive growth and national integration. He stressed that strategic partnerships are vital to addressing emerging challenges in infrastructure, technology, and global supply chain management.
“As we look toward the future,” he concluded, “sustainable logistics and transport systems are not merely about moving goods—they are about connecting people, unlocking opportunities, and building resilience for generations to come.”
He commended CILT Nigeria for its steadfast commitment to shaping the nation’s logistics landscape and urged participants to translate the insights from the conference into actionable outcomes that would redefine logistics and transport practice in Nigeria.