Larry Chinekezie is president/CEO, Verlista.com, an e-commerce platform that facilitates the marketing of goods and services peculiar to the logistics sub-sector of the Nigerian economy.
Before developing the platform Chinekezie was the managing director of Tradeways Express International Limited.
As the superintendent at Tradesways then, the Company distinguished itself as one of the largest and well managed indigenous courier firms in the country.
He spoke to peter ugwu on the need for logistics industry in the country to embrace the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for proficiency and restoration of the sector’s integrity.

Verlista.com
Verlista.com is an e-commerce platform created to provide the logistics industry with options to market their goods and services.
It is primarily meant to provide logistics organizations in Nigeria with opportunity to be more visible; such that people can easily reach them.
On the course of developing the platform we found out that most of them are not positioned on the digital terrain for easy identification.
Such companies also found it difficult to reach their target market. So, we are bridging the gap for them, in such manner they get closer to their customers; become searchable and reachable through the internet.
The platform has a directory listing with integrated product display, a robust search engine and custom directory functionalities among other unique features.

Areas Covered
The platform has the capacity to handle unlimited number of products. We find, verify, list and recommend good logistics businesses to the world through our robust search engine and advertising.
Every aspect of the logistics market is covered by Verlista; be it in shipping, airline, road or rail transportation, cargo, courier, name it. In fact, logistics deals basically with the movement of goods and human beings from one place to another.
Therefore, any company that is involved in business of moving people, goods or providing support service that facilitates such is part of logistics.
So, we put them on the site in such way that they can be seen. We go all the way verifying that the business actually exists, because they are some redundant ones or maybe they are changing their phase of business, we need to know, the customers deserve to know too.
There are others that exist for fraudulent purposes; claiming to have certain operational competencies whereas they do not. So, we verify and put our seal on a page where they are listed as a mark of approval.
It does not matter what type of solutions users are looking for, we offer one of the biggest online logistics directories in Nigeria, where they will surely find what they are looking for, aided by our expert’s reviews and recommendations.

Verification and Authentication Processes
 Just as I said, we try as much as possible to wedge against fraudsters using our site to perpetuate their crimes.
First, we visit the site to get primary information about the name, logo and location. Then we move on to ascertain there are people there doing the business they advertised.
Once, we determine those features exist, we can incorporate them and put a verification mark as sort of authentication.

Features of Verlista
Apart from the listing and verification, we also give them a platform to showcase what they have in the basket.
That is, we provide a room for them to advertise their goods and services. There is also a platform for them to tell their news. We stream news from different segments of logistics.
 Everyday millions of global users visit Verlista looking for the best logistics or support organizations to provide solutions to their logistics needs. As their needs vary so are our offers to all.
As a matter of emphasis, the scope of our platform covers maritime, aviation, road transport, courier, freight.
We are not left behind in the provision of access to information useful on equipment sales, operational material, financing, insurance, security, vending, among others.

Logistics Companies Embracing IT
There is a belief that logistics companies are far from embracing information communication technologies (ICTs) even in the face of e-commerce where delivery is key. That is one of the reasons Verlista was launched.
We noticed that there is a huge communication, visibility and ICT gap in the industry. Our thought is to bring them to the fore; removing the veils that have kept them hidden. Now, listing is free; however, we can go the extra-mile to incorporate for features for them as they pay a token fee.
The important of this level of membership is that they get integrated to any search engine or the social media.
The platform is not just a website, but a market point for the entire logistics sector. The unique selling preposition of the platform is that it revolves round the industry unlike several others out there that are jacks-of-all-train.
They are everything to everybody rather we are purpose-driven. We are logistics experts that know the missing-link in the industry. We seriously take into cognizance issues that concern the industry.

Containing Fraudsters
People or companies that engage in illegal businesses do not like to be seen; they do not give in to publicity.
Their works are bad and are done in a hidden way. Some who are genuine do not even want to be seen because they want to evade tax. So, trying to bring them online, they will rebuff it. Still on the fraudsters, addresses they use are fakes.
We ensure that whoever we are listing must be verified. When we say the company has been verified, it means they are in business.
With Verlista on board, you can be assured that with time, the real players in the industry will be known, because those who are genuine operators do not have anything to hide and will be willing to tell the world about their good deed. 
We have gone ahead to establish a customer call line for people to call in and get to know more. That is, in part, fulfilling one aspect of the sector that is lacking: people who are not knowledgeable about logistics can ask questions.

Consulting Services
Through our Consulting services, we offer organizations and individuals a wealth of experience in many aspects of logistics through a team of qualified professionals. If logistics sector must harness its potentials, the customers cannot be treated with levity.
Therefore, we help companies improve customer service, operations and develop cost-effective solutions for supply chain, warehouse, packaging, material handling, transportation and distribution issues.
Because we are independent business consultants and do not represent any logistics, manufacturing, distribution, or installation services providers, we are open to giving acute information on the industry.
For instance, we give advice on productivity, materials management, packaging, order processing, manufacturing procedures warehousing and distribution as well as physical transportation of goods and quality control, while taking care of end-to-end operations for exporters, importers, forwarders, including booking, freight operations, documentation, and final billing to end customers. These are some of the characteristics lacking in the industry at the moment.

Security of Verlista
The sight is secured. We are aware that no website is free from potential attack by cyber thieves and when you are dealing with information concerning organizations or individuals you must be very careful not to get exposed to imminent attacks.
We will also keep upgrading the site. One other feature we deem necessary is to make the surfing on the site as seamless as possible. Once you are on the site, you can navigate to the feature you want: directory, events, news, consulting, among others.

Job Creation
Yes, we have a room for companies to get across to potential employees and vice-versa. It is necessary for logistics business be handles by professionals who have passion for the operations.
So, it is a kind of cross-matching; companies need not spend time recruiting. The company is a growing and we have made sure the processes are sustainable.