The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is stepping up efforts to modernize and expand 24-hour operations across all of Nigeria’s seaports, with the goal of aligning with international best practices and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of NPA, disclosed this during the Journal Nigeria (JournalNG)’s fifth port industry town hall meeting in Lagos recently.
According to Dantosho, key port services including; pilotage, marine operations, vessel traffic management, and exit gate access, are already operating around the clock at major hubs like the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
These continuous operations, he noted, are supported by rotational shifts for pilots and marine crews, as well as digital systems such as automated billing and the Eto electronic call-up system, which streamlines truck scheduling and cargo movement.
“The NPA is also advancing the implementation of a Port Community System (PCS), a unified digital platform designed to integrate all port stakeholders for seamless data exchange and real-time process visibility.” The NPA boss said.
When fully deployed, the PCS is expected to further enhance the efficiency of 24-hour operations.
Despite progress, industry watchers are unanimous that full 24-hour operations across all Nigerian ports remain challenged by security concerns, especially at night, and the need for improved infrastructure such as adequate lighting at critical access points.
To address these challenges, the NPA said it is working closely with the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, and the police to strengthen maritime security and ensure safe movement for port officials and truckers.
As highlighted during the event, Publisher of JournalNg, Ismail Aniemu, stressed the need for the nation’s seaports to be functional on a 24-hour basis.
He stated that the nation’s seaports can become the hub of shipping activities in the sub-region if the government is committed to infrastructure development.
The JournalNG event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s port industry, with a focus on modernizing and expanding 24-hour operations to enhance the country’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
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