….celebrating WiLAT 15 Years of leading, mentoring, and moving women forward
What began as a vision to give women a stronger voice in the logistics and transport industry has evolved into a powerful global movement.
Today, Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) stands as a testament to visionary leadership, unwavering advocacy, and the enduring power of collaboration, all of which took root on Nigerian soil.
At a zoom meeting to celebrate the Founders Day with the Theme: WiLAT: The Genesis Till Date, one of the facilitators, Mrs. Juliana O. Saka (FCILT) in her presentation said, the journey began in 2010 at an international conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) held in Malta.
According to her, there, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, then the Female Representative on the Council of CILT Nigeria, noticed the sparse participation of women and inquired about the female demographic within the Institute. What followed was a determined effort that reshaped the narrative of gender inclusion in the sector.
Returning to Nigeria, Hajia Aisha sought out female CILT members across logistics organizations and mobilized them to form a collective under the Institute.
Her mission, Mrs Saka stated, was simple but profound, to create a space where women could be active within CILT, network meaningfully, access mentoring, and amplify their voices within the male-dominated industry.
With the critical backing of then CILT Nigeria President, the late Prof. Michael Filani, and National Executive Director, Mr. Francis Ehiguese, WiLAT Nigeria was officially launched on June 12, 2010. This milestone marked the genesis of what would soon become a global phenomenon.
According to the Mrs. Saka, “The Committee was saddled with the following responsibilities: membership drive from the various modes, registration of the Association with Corporate Affairs Commission and develop WILAT Nigeria constitution”.
Others are, develop Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Association, organize and create structure for WILAT and ensure participation of WILAT at CILT programs and organize first election of the Association
“Matrons of WiLAT Nigeria are Amb. Dr Kema Chikwe former Minister for Transport and for Aviation and Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson (Iyalode of Yoruba Land) First female president of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)”.
She said, to enable WILAT Nigeria functions effectively, women who had attained positions of eminence were drawned from the industry to be the Matrons and Trustees of the group.
“Princess Vicky A. Haastrup, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Major General Abimbola Olatilewa Amusu Rtd, Mrs. Elizabeth Aina Egharevba, Late Mrs Lizzy Ovbude, Mrs. Dabney Shall-holma, Mrs. P. Samuel, Hajia Salamatu B. Umar-Eluma, Mrs. Grace Folashade Bent, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim and Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa”.
At that time, no such gender-focused group existed within the CILT International structure, despite the Institute’s establishment in the United Kingdom as far back as 1919.
She added, thereafter, a care taker committee was constituted with members drawn from Logistics industry including the Military.
“Chairperson was Hajia Aisha Ali-ibrahim, Secretary, Juliana Saka, Treasurer, Hajia H.M Mohammed, Rep. Military Logistics, Brdg General Flora Pearse, Legal Adviser, Late Mrs Lucy Damarchy, Rep Road, Logistics, Mrs. P. Samuel, Rep. Maritime Mode, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, Rep. Rail Mode, Mrs. Nnordi, Rep. Air Mode, Mrs. Pero, Rep Higher Institution, Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma and Mrs. Calister Odiegwu, CILT Administrative Staff, was the liaison for WiLAT”.
Nigeria not only pioneered WiLAT but also laid the foundation for its global expansion. Explaining further, Saka said, WiLAT Nigeria played an instrumental role in championing its acceptance within the international CILT community, advocating tirelessly for its relevance as a membership-driving and capacity-building wing.
In 2012, at the CILT International Conference in Birmingham, WiLAT Nigeria stood at a crossroads with another UK-based group, Women in Logistics (WIL UK), which was not affiliated with CILT.
Both organizations were invited to present their structures and objectives. Following these deliberations, CILT International formally adopted WiLAT as its official gender platform. WiLAT Nigeria’s constitution became the template circulated to guide new national chapters ahead of its global launch.
Under the international leadership of Dr. Dorothy Chan, who succeeded Prof. Alan Waller as CILT International President, WiLAT received a global spotlight at the 2013 CILT Conference in Sri Lanka.
From there, the facilitator noted, the movement spread rapidly, with new chapters springing up across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, from Uganda to Zimbabwe, from Singapore to Mauritius.
While WiLAT’s reach has expanded, its core remains tethered to values of leadership, mentorship, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, she said, the Nigerian chapter led pioneering programmes that combined career development with impactful community engagement.
On the achievements of the group, it distributed over 100 baby carriers to market women in Lagos, donated bicycles to women in rural areas inspired by the Ugandan model, and consistently supported the physically challenged through wheelchair donations.
Beyond charity, WiLAT Nigeria remains deeply committed to professional growth. The chapter regularly sponsors members, including female transport students from Lagos State University, to attend international conferences, ensuring exposure to industry innovations and global best practices.
Its annual WiLAT Day Conference has become a celebrated event, spotlighting women who have shattered glass ceilings and inspiring the next generation to take up space in the logistics and transport sector.
Membership in WiLAT is tied to CILT enrollment, reinforcing its roots in professional excellence. Women working in the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors who are not yet CILT members are encouraged to join the Institute to benefit from WiLAT’s rich offerings.
As WiLAT celebrates its founding annually on June 12 with a commemorative walk and global recognition, the tribute returns to where it all began, Nigeria.
The profound gratitude extended to early champions like Prof. Alan Waller and Dr. Dorothy Chan, the visionary support of Prof. Filani and Mr. Ehiguese, and the relentless drive of Founder Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim continues to echo through every milestone.
Today, under the stewardship of leaders like CILT Nigeria National President Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, WiLAT stands not just as an association, but a force, boldly shaping the future of transport and logistics for women across continents.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, WiLAT’s journey is a powerful reminder: when women come together, industries transform, and legacies are born.
