As part of efforts to enhance efficiency and competitiveness at Nigerian ports, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has disclosed plans to kick-start the process of establishing Port Community System (PCS) with the support of the government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the technical advisory of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos at a programme put together by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
Bello-Koko stated that the system will bring together all stakeholders in the port community aimed to facilitate ease of doing business in the ports.
Port Community System is an electronic platform which connects the multiple systems operated by a variety of organisations that make up a seaport, airport or inland port community.
The Managing Director who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, NPA, Mrs. Yemisi Oyinlola spoke in a paper presentation titled “Nigeria and the Evolving New Port Order”, noted that all port players have a role in ensuring competitiveness with focus on quality port services and right pricing.
NPA boss emphasized that this is what underpins trade facilitation ideals which would ultimately expand the frontiers of trade and foster economic growth.
“It is pertinent to note that with the backing of the government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the technical advisory of the IMO, the Nigerian Ports Authority has kick-started the process of establishing Port Community System. The system will bring together all stakeholders in the port community and facilitate ease of doing business in the ports,” he said.
Bello-Koko reiterated that for Nigeria to maximize the benefits of blue economy, both downstream and upstream operations have to be fully explored pointing out that shipping business must be taken beyond mere vessel and cargo handling at the port, but include other services such as bunkering, insurance, hinterland connectivity, among others.
“Maritime activities are made up of downstream and upstream operations. Downstream operations principally includes port operations and bunkering, while the upstream consists of insurance, connectivity logistics and shipping activities. Ironically, Nigeria operates only in the port operation aspect of the downstream operation. Even the port operation is not performing optimally due to a number of inherent challenges.”
“Today, Nigeria has not fully utilized the opportunity offered by the upstream maritime economy. This explains why the maritime sector has not contributed substantially to Nigerian economy. In an effort to reposition Nigerian economy particularly the maritime sector, the managers of our economy need to pay requisite attention”, Bello-Koko stressed.
He added that the electronic truck call-up system in Lagos Pilotage District has helped in addressing truck congestion along the port access road, adding that the Authority has licensed 37 satellite Truck Parks (with the capacity to accommodate 7,000 trucks) to service the incoming trucks to the ports in Lagos under the Electronic Truck Call-Up System (ETO) which became operational in July, 2021.
The Managing Director also averred that registration and licensing of 28 empty containers holding bays with a total capacity of 137,000 TEUs has come on stream to tackle traffic situation along the port corridors