CEM REPORT | The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is proposing a unified system for stakeholders which will reduce the cost of shipping in Nigeria
During a media parley in Lagos, the Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said the proposed port communication system will be deployed with the aid of digital technology, adding that the system will lock every stakeholder into one system for operations.
He added that the system will be deployed amongst other critical facilities at various seaports in the nation, stating that would not affect the e-customs, adding that it would enhance trade facilitation and ease shipping processes.
The Director further said the agency is also working on a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system to enable easy monitoring of ship movement.
According to Guardian, Vessel traffic services (VTS) are shore-side systems, which range from the provision of simple information messages to ships, such as position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings, to extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.
Bello-Koko also revealed that the Apapa and TinCan Island ports quay wall rehabilitation is the focus of the 2022 budget.
“New fenders at quay wall have been purchased and will be delivered soon. This will allow safety of vessels. The fenders have been lost over the years and the shipping lines are complaining. Now we are sure of attracting more shipping lines, which means reduced cost of shipping for Nigerians,”
He also said the Lekki port should commence operations by September this year, adding that the ship to shore crane which is the only thing left is expected to arrive in June.
He further said NPA is pushing for construction of a deep seaport in Bonny Island, Rivers State to ensure that Nigeria returns as the maritime hub in the continent.
He stated that the authority is in partnership with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), which is expected to help with the survey and deploy the facility around the country.
“We should be able to have visibility without seeing the ship. We are blocking leakages and ensuring removal of manual process at the seaports. I will love to see our port fully automated. Automation is the backbone of our port, and we must achieve this and implement it in the right manner. That is what the port community system is about,”
