The nation’s seaports could greatly enhance efficiency and promote innovation in cargo inspection processes by adopting a strategy of exploring public-private partnerships to manage the installation and upkeep of scanning technology. This approach has been strongly recommended by the federal government. In Abuja, a strategic gathering took place with the aim of bolstering port efficiency and optimizing trade facilitation. The meeting witnessed the presence of esteemed individuals including Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Said Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs and Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Their joint submission was met with great interest.
In order to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of ports, it was mutually decided by the ministers and the head of Customs that a gradual elimination of physical cargo inspections at ports is essential. By doing so, ports will be able to operate more smoothly and promote seamless collaboration for the facilitation of trade. A statement bearing the signatures of both Ismail Omipidan, the spokesperson for the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for Customs, held the collective submissions. The ministers recognized the crucial importance of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) in effectively relieving port congestion.
Mobile scanners currently in use will be strategically positioned.
They gave the Customs chief the responsibility to take the lead in promoting and prioritizing cargo scanning instead of relying solely on conventional physical examination approaches. Additionally, they promoted the involvement of individual investors in supporting the implementation and upkeeping of scanning equipment within the country’s ports. Moreover, they made a commitment to guarantee the implementation of a new rail project that will circumvent the stationary scanner located at Apapa port, thereby guaranteeing the smooth and uninterrupted flow of the scanning process amidst significant infrastructure advancements.
Also, in an effort to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, it was decided that all currently operational scanners at key ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML will undergo rectification and optimization. Additionally, the mobile scanners currently in use will be strategically positioned to streamline cargo inspections and ensure swift processing. The pragmatic outlook of the Managing Director of NRC was evident during their discussion on rail track construction, particularly regarding the fixed scanner at Apapa. Instead of opposing the idea, they showed agreement and proposed to bypass it. The corporation’s dedication to transporting freight cargoes by rail to Inland container depots/dry ports was emphasized by Okhiria, demonstrating their ongoing commitment.
Atlantic ocean graciously stretches across Nigeria’s western coastline.
Hence, this proactive approach aims to address the issue of congestion at major ports. Notably, Okhiria announced the introduction of new strategies to streamline container evacuation from Port Harcourt to Aba, with potential plans for future extensions to include Onne Port. The Atlantic ocean https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean graciously stretches across Nigeria’s western coastline, extending a proud welcome to the nation’s six bustling seaports. These maritime gateways forge vital connections for trade with prominent nations such as Brazil, China, India, Japan, the United States, and countries belonging to the European Union.
Situated in the Apapa region of Lagos State, the Lagos port resides in close proximity to the Bight of Benin. Recognized by various names, such as the Premier port or the Apapa port, it holds the esteemed position of being Nigeria’s primary commercial hub. Standing as the country’s most ancient and expansive port, it surpasses all others in terms of land expanse and the immense quantities of goods it handles. Each year, an estimated 1,000 vessels sail through the Apapa quays, serving as a crucial passage for over half of Nigeria’s maritime trade. This bustling port complex not only facilitates trade within Nigeria, but also acts as a transhipment hub for landlocked countries like Chad and Niger.
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These vessels collectively transport an astounding 5,700,000 tonnes of cargo, ensuring a constant flow of goods through the Lagos port complex. In 1913, the port was founded and commenced its activities when the four deepwater wharves were built in 1921. Today, it stands out as one of Nigeria’s most productive ports, boasting modern equipment and state-of-the-art operational systems. These advancements enable the port to offer economical and efficient services to both national and international clientele. Additionally, the port maintains crucial connections to various regions within Nigeria, as well as its neighbouring countries, utilizing railways, inland waterways, and a network of roads.
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