THE OLIVE SPOTLIGHT SERIES WITH TOBI BADMUS

Can you tell me about yourself and your background? What do you do?

• • My name is Tobi Badmus, the founder and CEO of 8BM Freight. I was born in Osogbo to a loving family. My father is  Asiwaju Ajadi Badmus, the Asiwaju of Osogboland home and abroad, and my mother, Alhaja Gbelewade Badmus, is a businesswoman and a retired civil servant from a federal commission. I completed both my primary and secondary education in Osogbo and earned my first degree at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. Additionally, I hold certificates in Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management from institutions such as Harvard Business School, IESE Business School, and the New York Institute of Finance. Having worked for one of Africa’s leading commodities exchange market players, I now lead 8BM Freight, where my team and I are dedicated to providing innovative and efficient logistics solutions across Nigeria and beyond. We pride ourselves on leveraging advanced technology to streamline logistics processes and ensure the reliable delivery of goods.

What motivated you to do this?

• • There are several reasons why I started 8BM Freight, which drive me every day. Firstly, I wanted to fill the gap in the logistics industry. Secondly, I aimed to contribute to economic development by building people and providing jobs. Lastly, for personal fulfillment, I want my family to be able to live a good life. These motivations and others are why I wake up every day and ensure I give my best.

How long have you been doing this and what drew your attention to it?

• • I have been involved in the logistics and supply chain industry for close to a decade. The idea for 8BM Freight emerged while I was working at AFEX as the Sales Operation Manager. I noticed significant gaps in the supply chain industry in Nigeria. My deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and my desire to innovate and improve logistics operations led to the creation of 8BM. We have been operational close to four years now, during which we have grown significantly and established ourselves as a key player in the African logistics sector.

What do you enjoy most about what you do now?

• I love the dynamic nature of my work. Every day brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, which keeps me engaged and constantly thinking on my feet. There’s never a dull moment; whether it’s strategizing to overcome logistical hurdles, innovating to improve our services, or leading my team through complex projects, I’m always intellectually stimulated. This environment pushes me to continually learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Additionally, I find immense satisfaction in seeing the tangible impact of our work—whether it’s the seamless delivery of goods, the positive feedback from clients, or the growth and development of my team members. The ability to make a real difference in the logistics industry and contribute to the broader economic landscape of Nigeria is incredibly fulfilling.

Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced in your role now and how you overcame it?

• • Doing business is hard, and it’s even harder in Nigeria. One significant challenge I faced was when some trucks were diverted, leading to a loss of millions of Naira, which affected our business operations for a while. However, we managed to overcome this by implementing stricter tracking systems, enhancing our security protocols, and diversifying our logistics network to mitigate such risks in the future.

What keeps you driven to continue ?

• • It’s too late to give up. We’ve started this journey, and we must ensure that all the sacrifices of the past do not go in vain. I look back at what we’ve achieved and forward to what we can accomplish, and that drives me to keep pushing forward.

How do you stay updated and continue to grow?

• • I believe in continuous improvement. I stay updated by actively engaging with industry trends, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks. Continuous learning is essential, so I invest time in reading the latest research and books and attending courses. We also prioritize internal training and development to ensure our team is always at the forefront of industry advancements.

Can you share a significant accomplishment or project you’ve worked on recently?

• • Recently, 8BM Freight was named one of the fastest-growing companies in Nigeria by Business Day. Additionally, I received an award as one of the most inspiring and definitive CEOs in Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper. These awards are a testament to the incredible work we are doing in the logistics industry.

What goals do you have in the near future?

• • In the near future, we aim to scale up the business significantly. This includes expanding our operations across more regions, investing in advanced logistics technology, and increasing our workforce to meet growing demands.

How do you see what you’re passionate about evolving in the coming years, and what steps are you taking?

• • I see the logistics industry evolving with increased automation and technology integration. To stay ahead, we are investing in cutting-edge logistics technology and enhancing our digital infrastructure. We are also focusing on sustainability practices to ensure our operations are environmentally friendly. By continuously innovating and adapting to new trends, we aim to lead the industry and set new standards in logistics efficiency and reliability.