The Head of Research at the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), Eugene Nweke, has called for the urgent transformation of Nigeria’s seaports into smart ports, warning that delays in digital adoption could further weaken the country’s position in global trade.
Nweke made the call on Friday while delivering opening remarks at the 6th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held in Apapa, Lagos. The event was themed “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
He described the theme as both timely and inevitable, emphasising that ports remain central to global commerce and economic growth.
“A smart port is not merely aspirational; it is urgent, inevitable, and foundational to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness,” Nweke said.
Citing data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), he noted that more than 80 per cent of global trade by volume is transported by sea, underscoring the strategic importance of efficient port systems.
Nweke, however, expressed concern over the growing performance gap between Nigeria’s traditional ports and advanced smart ports such as those in Rotterdam and Singapore.
According to him, leading global ports have deployed automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time data systems to significantly enhance efficiency.
“Leading smart ports have reduced vessel turnaround time by up to 30 to 50 per cent through automation and data integration,” he said.
Referencing the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, he added that countries with highly digitalised port systems consistently rank higher in trade efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Despite Nigeria’s strategic role in handling between 70 and 80 per cent of cargo throughput in West and Central Africa, Nweke said inefficiencies continue to hinder optimal performance.
He noted that average cargo dwell time in Nigerian ports ranges from 18 to 24 days, compared to three to eight days in fully digitised ports.
He further disclosed that logistics costs in Nigeria account for between 30 and 40 per cent of total trade costs, far exceeding the global average of eight to 12 per cent. He attributed this disparity to manual processes, fragmented systems, and limited coordination among port agencies.
“These inefficiencies translate into lost economic opportunities, reduced competitiveness, and significant revenue leakages,” he said.
To address these challenges, Nweke identified three key pillars for developing a smart port ecosystem: digital infrastructure and integration, automation and intelligence, and human capital development.
He stressed that platforms such as the Port Community System and the National Single Window are critical to modern port operations, describing them as essential rather than optional.
Nweke also highlighted emerging technologies shaping global port operations, including the Internet of Things, blockchain for cargo tracking, artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, and automated cargo handling systems.
On workforce development, he warned that infrastructure investments alone would not deliver results without a digitally skilled workforce.
“Smart ports require smart people. Without a digitally skilled workforce, the infrastructure will remain underutilised,” he said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s existing advantages—including its strategic geographic location, large domestic market, and growing private sector participation—he emphasised the need to accelerate reforms, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window system.
“For Nigeria, the National Single Window is not just a reform, it is a national economic necessity,” he stated, adding that countries that have implemented the system have recorded up to 50 per cent reductions in cargo clearance time, alongside improved revenue generation and investor confidence.
Nweke urged stakeholders across the maritime sector to prioritise practical actions, including enhancing digital readiness, ensuring interoperability among agencies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and building a technology-driven port community.
“The journey towards smart ports is not a one-agency project; it is a whole-of-industry transformation,” he said.
He also called on government to provide clear policies and invest in infrastructure, while urging private operators to embrace innovation and efficiency. Regulators, he added, must prioritise transparency and data-driven oversight.
Nweke concluded that modernising Nigeria’s ports is essential to unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.
“A smart port is not just about technology; it is about efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and national prosperity. If Nigeria must unlock the full potential of its blue economy, port modernisation is non-negotiable,” he said.
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