The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has expressed confidence that the organisation would achieve 24-hour operations in the nation’s ports.
He said this would be achieved through innovations targeted at modernising operations in the ports.
The MD disclosed this at the 5th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held in Lagos, theme: Bridging the Gaps to Actualize 24 hours Port Operations, and said that part of the efforts includes the implementation of a Port Community System (PCS).
He said that efforts were geared at aligning with international best practices as well as strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
He added that key port services such as pilotage, marine operations, vessel traffic management and exit gate access have started operating around the clock in the Lagos Ports Complex, Lekki Port and the Tin Can Island Port.
According to him, the operations are by rotational shifts for pilots and marine crews, as well as an automated billing system that has been built into the Eto-electronic call-up system to streamline truck scheduling and cargo movement.
He also made known that the unified digital platform has been designed to integrate all port stakeholders for seamless data exchange, including real-time process visibility, noting that when fully deployed, it will further enhance the efficiency of 24 hours operations.
Dantsoho, who was represented by Lawal Ibrahim, Port Manager of the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), said “the NPA is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Police to strengthen maritime security and ensure safe movement for port officials and truckers.”
