The Head of Research, Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), Eugene Nweke, has underscored the urgency of transitioning Nigeria’s seaports into smart ports, warning that failure to embrace digital transformation could further widen the nation’s competitiveness gap in global trade.
Nweke made this assertion while delivering the opening remarks at the 6th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting on Friday in Apapa, themed: “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
He described the theme as not only aspirational but also urgent and inevitable, stressing that ports remain critical economic engines in global commerce.
“A smart port is not merely aspirational; it is urgent, inevitable, and foundational to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness,” he stated.
Citing global data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Nweke noted that over 80 per cent of international trade by volume is transported by sea, placing ports at the centre of economic growth and trade facilitation.
He, however, lamented the widening performance gap between traditional ports and technologically advanced smart ports such as Port of Rotterdam and Port of Singapore, which have leveraged automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time data systems to significantly reduce vessel turnaround time.
“Leading smart ports have reduced vessel turnaround time by up to 30 to 50 per cent through automation and data integration,” he said.
Nweke further referenced the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, noting that countries with advanced port digitalisation consistently rank higher in trade efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Bringing the issue to the domestic front, he observed that despite Nigeria’s strategic position—handling an estimated 70 to 80 per cent of cargo throughput in West and Central Africa, inefficiencies continue to undermine performance.
“Average cargo dwell time in Nigerian ports still ranges between 18 to 24 days, compared to three to eight days in fully digitised ports,” he noted.
He added that logistics costs in Nigeria account for nearly 30 to 40 per cent of total trade costs, far above the global average of eight to 12 per cent, attributing the disparity to manual processes, fragmented systems, and limited interoperability among agencies.
According to him, these inefficiencies translate into lost economic opportunities, reduced competitiveness, and significant revenue leakages.
Nweke outlined three critical pillars required to drive a successful smart port ecosystem, including digital infrastructure and integration, automation and intelligence, and human capital development.
“Platforms such as the Port Community System and the National Single Window are not optional, they are the backbone of modern port operations,” he emphasised.
He explained that technologies such as Internet of Things sensors, blockchain for cargo tracking, artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, and automated cargo handling systems are redefining global port operations.
On human capacity, Nweke stressed that technology alone would not deliver results without a skilled workforce.
“Let us be clear: smart ports require smart people. Without a digitally skilled workforce, the infrastructure will remain underutilised,” he warned.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strengths, he noted that the country is not starting from scratch, pointing to its strategic geographic location, large domestic market, expanding port infrastructure, and increasing private sector participation.
He identified the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) as a critical reform needed to drive efficiency, transparency, and revenue optimisation.
“For Nigeria, the National Single Window is not just a reform, it is a national economic necessity,” he said.
Nweke noted that countries that have successfully implemented NSW systems have recorded up to 50 per cent reduction in cargo clearance time, alongside improved government revenue collection and investor confidence.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on actionable solutions, including improving digital readiness, ensuring interoperability among agencies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and building a tech-savvy port community.
“The journey towards smart ports is not a one-agency project, it is a whole-of-industry transformation,” he stated.
He called on government to provide policy clarity and invest in infrastructure, while urging private sector operators to prioritise innovation and efficiency. Regulators, he added, must embrace transparency and data-driven oversight, while industry practitioners commit to continuous learning.
Nweke further stressed that port modernisation is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
“A smart port is not just about technology, it is about efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and national prosperity. If Nigeria must truly unlock the full potential of its blue economy, the modernisation of our ports is not optional, it is non-negotiable.”