Experts Urge Full Port Modernisation For Global Competitiveness
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
MARITIME industry experts have called for comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s ports to enhance global competitiveness, efficiency, and economic growth.
Speaking at the 3rd National Discourse on “Port Modernisation: Automation, Regulation, Administration, and Competencies,” held in Lagos, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control, Capt. Sunday Umoren, described ports as strategic national assets that drive over 90% of global trade.
Umoren, represented by Mr. Richard Owolabi of NIMASA, said automation could reduce vessel turnaround time by 65% and cargo dwell time by 40%, urging harmonised regulations and stronger inter-agency collaboration to tackle delays.
President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, highlighted Nigeria’s progress since port concessions in 2006, noting that the Lekki Deep Sea Port marked a major leap toward full automation. She said ship traffic and exports had grown significantly, but challenges like congestion and poor logistics persisted.
Tantita Security Services’ Executive Director, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, stressed that true automation must extend beyond terminals to include hinterland systems, while Widescope Logistics GMD, Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, advocated an independent regulator and a national skills programme to drive reform.
Convener of the forum, Mr. Kelvin Kagbare, said the event was a collective call for transformation through innovation, regulation, and capacity building to position Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.
