Leading Nigeria’s Supply Chain Transformation: Highlights from the Nigerian Supply Chain Summit 2024
The highly anticipated Nigerian Supply Chain Summit, organised by Pentland Energy Limited, took place on November 8, 2024, and was an unforgettable event. Delegates from various professional bodies, businesses, and government agencies gathered to discuss critical issues. The theme of the summit, “Leading Nigeria’s Supply Chain Transformation,” resonated throughout the fully packed hall at the Movenpick Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos.
SupplyChainFirst was privileged to attend this informative event and gain valuable insights into Nigeria’s supply chain transformation. Our team was present to capture the highlights from start to finish. Let’s dive into the key moments:
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, was represented by Mrs. Caroline Niagwan. She delivered a keynote address focusing on the Nigeria Customs Service’s activities, particularly in trade facilitation and customs modernisation. She highlighted the agency’s implementation of trade facilitation policies and procedures.
“Key aspects of Nigeria Customs Service involvement and trade facilitation include a designative and regulatory framework. The Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 is the bedrock of Nigeria Custom Service modernisation.”
She highlighted several government initiatives aimed at developing the export sector. According to her, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian exporters to access expanded markets and boost their competitiveness. She emphasized that the government works diligently to ensure Nigerian exporters take full advantage of this initiative.
“At the moment, the government has done all it can, but there is just one box left to be ticked, and that is gazetting the agreement.”
Other special guests included Abdul-Kadir K. Ahmed, MD/CEO of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML), and Dr. Obiora Madu, founder of Multimix Academy, who discussed the idea of establishing a ministry of supply chain instead of a ministry of transportation.
“how many years would it take for us to be talking about transport policy when, indeed, we should be talking about supply chain policy and having a supply chain ministry instead of a transportation ministry”
Several other notable keynote speakers and panellists graced the event, including Pankaj Badola, Head of Manufacturer Relations at Omnibiz; Vivian Chimezie, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping; Dr. Alban Igwe, CEO of Etcetera; Oghenovo Akpoguma, Supply Chain Manager at Shelf Drilling Nigeria Ltd; Arinze Oduah, Consultant at Multus Competentia; Chizoba Anyika, Deputy Director at NIMASA; Adaeze Machebe, Procurement Manager at Filmo Real Estate; Eunice Alex-Eyitene, Doctoral Researcher in Supply Chain Risk Management at Cranfield University; and Tunbosun Afolayan, Principal in Carbon Management, EMEA, at Sprout B.V.
The Nigerian Supply Chain Summit 2024 brought together thought leaders and key stakeholders and provided actionable insights and innovative strategies for transforming the nation’s supply chain sector. The summit underscored the critical role of collaboration across industries and government agencies in driving Nigeria’s supply chain forward, from discussions on modernization and export facilitation to thought-provoking debates about policy reforms.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward supply chain transformation, events like this serve as vital platforms for fostering dialogue and innovation. SupplyChainFirst remains committed to sharing these transformative insights and inspiring partnerships to shape the sector’s future. With strategic commitment and continuous innovation, the road ahead is promising, and we look forward to more initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global supply chain ecosystem.
