The Director General of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd.), has called for the urgent transition of Nigeria’s seaports to smart port systems to reduce logistics costs and improve trade efficiency.
Udofia made the call at the 6th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held on Friday in Apapa, Lagos, with the theme “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance, IMION, Captain David Ajiboye, the IMION boss described smart port development as critical to Nigeria’s economic future, noting that global port systems are rapidly evolving through technology, automation, and data-driven operations.
“Ports that deploy digital and automation systems can improve efficiency by up to 30 per cent and reduce logistics costs by as much as 25 per cent. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind,” he said.
Udofia highlighted the strategic importance of key Nigerian ports, including Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, while noting that the Lekki Deep Sea Port reflects progress toward modern infrastructure.
He, however, identified persistent challenges such as congestion, cargo clearance delays, manual processes, and fragmented systems as major constraints affecting efficiency and increasing the cost of doing business.
“Inefficiencies at ports can raise logistics costs by between 30 and 40 per cent, translating to higher prices for goods and reduced economic opportunities,” he said.
According to him, adopting smart port systems driven by digital platforms, automation, and real-time data would streamline operations, improve transparency, and enhance coordination among port agencies.
“A smart port ensures that agencies work from shared platforms, cargo is tracked seamlessly, and decisions are driven by accurate data rather than manual processes.
Data is now the lifeblood of modern ports. Those who harness it effectively will lead global trade,” he added.
Udofia stressed that while technology is essential, it must be supported by investments in human capital, policy reforms, and performance monitoring to ensure sustainable transformation.
He said IMION is positioned to support the transition through capacity building, policy advocacy, implementation research, and benchmarking against global best practices.
“We must prepare our workforce for a digital future. From port operators to logistics professionals, new skills are required to operate effectively in a technology-driven environment,” he noted.
He also called for harmonised regulations and the removal of duplications among government agencies, warning that outdated regulatory frameworks could hinder smart port initiatives.
On implementation, Udofia advocated the introduction of pilot projects in strategic locations such as Lekki to test digital systems before scaling successful models nationwide.
He urged stakeholders to benchmark Nigeria’s progress against leading global ports, including those in Singapore, Rotterdam, Morocco’s Tanger Med, and Ghana’s Tema Port.
Udofia added that the benefits of smart port adoption would include reduced congestion in Apapa, faster cargo clearance in Tin Can Island, improved efficiency at Lekki, lower business costs, increased government revenue, and stronger global trade positioning.
“Efficient ports are not just gateways for trade; they are engines of national development,” he said.
He emphasised the need for strong collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators, technology providers, and research institutions to drive the transition.
“The journey towards smart ports demands a whole-of-industry approach. Government must lead with clear strategy, while stakeholders must act with urgency,” he said.
Udofia called for the immediate development of a national smart port strategy, alongside the rollout and scaling of pilot projects across the country.
“The future of our ports will determine the future of our trade, and ultimately, the strength of our economy. The time to act is now,” he added.
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