Follow Us on Google
By Steve Agbota and Chukwuma Umeorah
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have renewed the drive for collaborative effort at actualising the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and developing an efficient port community system to foster seamless operations at the port.
Top officials from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) among other key players voiced their commitment to embracing technology to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. They made this declaration at the second edition of the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) in Lagos, themed “Convergence: Maritime meets ICT.”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stressed the need for a long-term vision within the sector.
“We must move beyond the original design of our ports. With the rapid development of technology and the growing population in Lagos, we need plans that will endure for over 100 years and propel sustainable growth of both the ports and the general economy.” This is even as he reiterated the support of the Ministry to the maritime sector.
Acknowledging the potential skepticism surrounding technology’s impact on jobs, Oyetola who was represented by Busayo Fakinlede, an expert in sustainable marine development countered that the introduction of technology and digitization will not lead to job loss; instead, it will increase efficiency, open new business avenues, enhance economic viability, and generate more revenue and jobs.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko highlighted that the application of technology at the ports have helped in automation of several processes of documentation and has significantly reduced the turnaround time for cargo operations, but more effort was needed to achieve the IMO target.
Bello-Koko who was represented by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex Charles Bamidele Okaga said: “Since the deployment of Electronic Call-up System (ETO), we have an average of 48 hours turnaround time for trucks. It used to take a minimum of 2 weeks to process ship entry loading, but now, it is processed within an hour as it is done electronically.
“Also, there is an electronic interaction between the NPA and Nigerian Customs to verify the authenticity of a submitted document. In 2022 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) came up with a compulsory instrument for all maritime nations to develop a port community system by 2024. Nigeria is at the procurement stage which is the third phase.
“All interactions have been done. All maritime agencies including Customs have introduced their respective systems where importers can make their declarations, process their documents and pay their duty, all online. What we need to pursue is the realization of the target of the 2024 deployment of port community system within the Nigerian port,” he added.
The convener of AMAE, Azunna Ezinne, emphasised the infusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and exploring the synergy of both sectors in shaping the future of the Nigerian economy.
According to her, the theme was apt and strategic to capture technology as the bridge to safe and secure operations, and to open up the Maritime sector to up-to-date information and best practices as it serves as a platform that brings together key players for innovative discussions.
