The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, has said Nigeria could trim total port and logistics costs by up to 14 per cent and lift operational efficiency by around 40 per cent if the country fully embraces smart port systems. He made the submission during his keynote address at the 6th Edition of the *JournalNG* Port Industry Town Hall Meeting in Lagos on 24 April 2026, citing global benchmarks that show smart ports substantially reduce operating expenditures while driving productivity.
Igwe noted that international data point to roughly a 14 per cent reduction in port operational costs under ideal conditions, and he believes Nigeria can achieve a comparable saving by transitioning to technology‑driven port operations. He stressed that labour expenses often account for about 60-70 per cent of running costs in many organisations, underscoring why automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are essential for cutting overheads and improving service delivery.
Describing smart ports as technology‑driven environments, Igwe explained they rely on integrated infrastructure, real‑time data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and high‑speed connectivity to streamline cargo movement, minimise manual handling, and quickly flag operational risks. He criticised Nigeria’s continued dependence on ageing infrastructure and paper‑based processes, which he linked to congestion, long dwell times, and high logistics costs that undermine supply chain performance.
The CRFFN Registrar emphasised that true smart‑port operations must include 24‑hour working schedules, arguing that restricted port hours artificially inflate vessel waiting times and storage charges for cargo owners. He said adopting a smart‑port model would improve cargo predictability, reduce clearance lead times, enhance real‑time tracking, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and its ranking on the Logistics Performance Index.
Igwe also highlighted wider economic benefits, including higher port throughput, reduced annual losses from delays, and more stable revenue from efficient logistics operations. On the regulatory front, the Nigeria Customs Service is advancing its own automation agenda, with the Tin Can Island Port Command reported to be about 90 per cent automated.
Representing the Controller of the Command, Oscar Ivara, the Public Relations Officer, said systems such as the internet‑based B’Odogwu platform are already enabling remote transaction processing and faster clearance, while the SMART Customs framework, focusing on security, measurement, automation, risk management, and technology, is being rolled out across commands. He cited the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, risk‑based cargo selection, satellite surveillance at border posts, and continuous staff training as key levers for speeding up clearance, tightening security, and aligning Customs with a modern, technology‑driven port ecosystem.