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Stakeholders push for port systems reform

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By Usman Oladimeji

Industry stakeholders called for the review of current legal frameworks.

Maritime industry stakeholders in attendance at the International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja advocated for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s port systems to facilitate a seamless business operations. They also urged for the integration and streamlining of International Trade protocols and procedures in the continent to promote Trade within and between African countries. Using the port of Tangier, which is thought to be the most efficient port in the African continent, as an example, seminar attendees emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of Nigerian ports and shorten the turnaround time for cargo clearance.

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This information was shared in a press release following the July 9–11, 2024, seminar. The stakeholders emphasized the pressing necessity of reviewing current legal frameworks in order to appropriately establish the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) as the nation’s marine and Shipping Industry regulator in the growing blue economy. It was observed that Nigerian maritime and shipping procedures are complex due to the several agency roles involved in the shipping process. This is related to the requirement that current legal procedures be assessed with the objective of promoting constructive advancements in the maritime industry.

Nigeria must adopt global standards of shipping best practices.

Also, Nigeria must create a competitive, automated port system leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to maximize service delivery. Such developments require the nation to make substantial investments in advanced technologies needed to compete internationally and meet the increasing demands of the modern maritime industry. Given the country’s position as a stakeholder nation, it must adopt the global standards of shipping best practices, digitizing processes and allowing autonomous vessels to operate. At the same time, the country must consider circumstances at the local level such as the potential loss of jobs for seafarers due to the emergence of fully automated vessels.

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Significant investments have been injected in Nigeria’s port system with the goal of upgrading and modernizing facilities to improve operational effectiveness and trade competitiveness. Such initiatives include the $1.1 billion rehabilitation of the TinCan and Apapa ports in Lagos initiated by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has started. The scheme, which is part of an extensive endeavour to increase Nigerian ports’ competitiveness abroad, aims to accommodate larger vessels and raise the quay side draft depths to 14 meters. Furthermore, the NPA is working with Private Sector organizations to develop new seaports, like the upcoming Badagry Deep Seaport and the currently-operational Lekki Deep Seaport.​

NPA is creating a master plan for sustainable development.

In addition, the NPA is developing barge services to ease traffic congestion on the roads and extending rail Infrastructure to major ports as part of its efforts to integrate multimodal transportation networks. To improve cargo clearance procedures, automation of collecting systems and the implementation of a port community system in cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are also in progress. Another notable development is the $600 million pledge made by Danish shipping company AP Moller-Maersk to support port expansion initiatives in the country. This Investment is intended to boost the government’s $1 billion port rebuilding programme and lessen the need for hazardous trans-shipments.

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The NPA is also creating a 25-year port master plan that would strategically guide the placement, dimensions, and operations of terminals, jetties, and ports across the country. The master plan will act as a guide for long-term, sustainable development, aiding in the national port infrastructure’s alignment with best practices and global standards. This programme is an important part of comprehensive efforts to enhance cargo handling capacities, modernize systems in Nigeria, and strengthen the country’s standing as a major player in international trade. To further boost the industry, the nation has implemented the Deep Blue Project to improve maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Related Article: Exports rise as Tin-Can port road cleared

Even as Nigeria is significantly enhancing its port operations, it still faces fierce competition from other prominent ports in the continent that have robust facilities and more efficient procedures. For example, Port of Durban and Cape in South Africa are renowned for their state-of-the-art facilities and faster customs clearance, which helps to improve overall performance and cargo turnover. Likewise, Morocco’s Tanger-Med Port, boasts as a key hub due to its advantageous position and cutting-edge infrastructure, which allow it to effectively manage large amounts of trans shipment traffic.

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