The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Comptroller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Command, Mr. Dera Nnadi, has spoken extensively on port operations, and as well, proposes an efficiency-boosting strategies to enhance port activities, in the course of his presentation.
Presenting a paper at the recent Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Stakeholders’ Sensitization Summit in Apapa, titled: “The Roles of Nigeria Customs Service In The Evacuation Of Cargoes From Seaport To The Hinterland,” Comptr. Dera Nnadi, gave a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing challenges within Nigerian ports and enumerated on strategic measures to improve operational efficiency.
Compt. Nnadi in the course of his presentation, outlined several critical obstacles impeding port operations, which include: inadequate infrastructure, inefficient port operations regulatory and Customs delays,
high traffic volume,
security concerns,
poor management practices, lack of automation and
ineffective handling processes.
These issues, according to Comptr. Nnadi, contribute to the extended turnaround times, bureaucratic delays, and a poorly trained workforce, all of which significantly reduce the overall efficiency of port operations.
The CAC further discussed the widespread consequences of port congestion, such as: economic impact, which translates to rising operational costs, demurrage fees, and increased consumer prices.
Others include: decreased trade competitiveness, which involves: discouraging international trade partners and investors, which negatively affects the national economy.
On supply chain disruptions, the CAC identified delays in deliveries, inventory shortages, production setbacks, and rising costs as impediments to supply chain.
While environmental concerns, according to Comptr.Nnadi, has to do with increased emissions, pollution, and deteriorating air quality.
The loss of perishable goods, which is associated with spoilage, financial losses, and potential food shortages, were also analyzed by the CAC.
The issue of Infrastructural strain, which deals with accelerated wear and tear, frequent repairs, and higher maintenance costs, among others were extensively emphasized on, by the CAC.
In addressing the aforementioned challenges, Comptr. Nnadi made the following proposals, which include: infrastructure, investments,
enhancing operational efficiency,
streamlining Customs procedures,
improving hinterland connectivity,
capacity planning and management,
fostering public-private partnerships,
strengthening security measures, and
implementing green port initiatives.
The resource officer in the meantime, highlighted the need for the Nigerian ports to significantly improve on efficiency, reduce congestion, and support sustainable growth by implementing the outlined strategic solutions.
Comptr. Nnadi was optimistic that the aforementioned challenges and its enumerated solutions, when implemented, would reposition the ports into a modern, environmentally responsible gateway contributing to the country’s economic development and global trade competitiveness.
Compt. Nnadi’s presentation opened the window for a unified effort among stakeholders to transform Nigerian ports into efficient and competitive hubs for trade facilitation, ease of doing business and effective service delivery, among others.
