The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Calabar Branch successfully concluded its highly anticipated two-day Capacity Building Workshop held on 6th and 7th May 2026 at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, bringing together key stakeholders, government officials, maritime experts, logistics professionals, academics, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of coastal maritime trade in West and Central Africa. Hosted under the leadership of Dr. Aniefiok Iton, FCILT, Chairman of CILT Calabar Branch, the workshop focused on the timely and strategic theme: PROMOTING COASTAL MARITIME TRADE WITH LITTORAL COUNTRIES ALONG THE GULF OF GUINEA The event was organized by CILT Calabar Branch in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Transport, CALCOCIMA, and CILT Next Generation, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing regional trade, logistics development, and maritime cooperation. A GATHERING OF INFLUENTIAL STAKEHOLDERS The workshop attracted a distinguished lineup of speakers and industry leaders who provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges surrounding coastal maritime trade within the Gulf of Guinea region. Among the notable participants were: • His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State • Dr. Aniefiok Iton, FCILT, Chairman, CILT Calabar Branch and Convener • Boboye Oyeyemi, Ph.D., OFR, mni, NPoM, FCILT, National President, CILT Nigeria • Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, Commissioner for Transportation, Cross River State • Elder Eze I. Monday, Ph.D., FCILT, FCIA, Vice President East, CILT Nigeria • Kelly Ayamba, FCA, President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture • Kingsley Ekwere, Ph.D., Rector, Marine and Oceans Academy, Akwa Ibom State • Benson Success, MILT, National Chairman, CILT Next Generation Nigeria • Ekine I. Alex, Port Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority, Calabar Port Their collective expertise enriched discussions on maritime policy, port development, trade facilitation, logistics innovation, transportation infrastructure, and regional economic integration. DRIVING REGIONAL TRADE THROUGH MARITIME COLLABORATION A major focus of the workshop was the immense potential of coastal shipping as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration among countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea. Participants explored critical issues including: • Enhancing coastal shipping networks • Improving port efficiency and competitiveness • Reducing logistics costs across regional corridors • Strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms • Expanding maritime infrastructure and investment opportunities • Developing human capital within the logistics and transport sector • Promoting multimodal transportation systems involving air, sea, land, pipeline, and rail operations Experts emphasized that stronger maritime collaboration among littoral nations can unlock significant trade opportunities, stimulate industrial growth, create employment, and position the region as a major gateway for international commerce. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS The workshop also served as an important professional development platform, equipping participants with current industry knowledge, emerging trends, and practical strategies required to navigate today's evolving logistics and transport landscape. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees gained valuable perspectives on: • Maritime trade policies • Supply chain resilience • Port operations management • Trade finance and facilitation • Logistics technology and innovation • Regional transport integration The event reinforced CILT's commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence within the logistics and transport profession. LEADERSHIP AND VISION FROM DR. ANIEFIOK ITON Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Aniefiok Iton reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking the economic potential of coastal maritime trade across the Gulf of Guinea. As Chairman of CILT Calabar Branch, Dr. Iton highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, private sector operators, maritime agencies, and educational institutions to build sustainable transport systems that support economic development and regional prosperity. His leadership and commitment to advancing logistic s and transportation excellence continue to position CILT Calabar as a leading voice in professional development and industry advocacy within Nigeria's maritime ecosystem. A RESOUNDING SUCCESS The successful completion of the two-day Capacity Building Workshop marks another significant milestone in the efforts to strengthen maritime trade and logistics development within the Gulf of Guinea region. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue among stakeholders but also laid the foundation for future collaborations aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, improving trade efficiency, and promoting sustainable economic growth. CILT Calabar Branch extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, participants, sponsors, and stakeholders whose contributions made the workshop a remarkable success. ABOUT BRIGHTFLOW CONGLOMERATE Brightflow Conglomerate remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote logistics excellence, maritime development, trade facilitation, and sustainable economic growth across Nigeria and the wider African region. Through strategic partnerships and industry engagement, the organization continues to champion innovation, capacity building, and transformational leadership within the logistics and transport sector. PUBLISHED BY: Brightflow Conglomerate Communications Team EVENT COVERAGE: CILT Calabar Capacity Building Workshop 2026 VENUE: Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar DATE: 6–7 May 2026