Effective Global Trade: Experts Identify 24-Hour Port Operations as Key to Boosting Nigeria’s Revenue Drive and International Competitiveness

By Raheem Ibrahim

A league of port industry experts has identified round-the-clock operations at Nigerian ports as a critical strategy for enhancing the country’s global trade competitiveness and boosting revenue generation.

Among the experts was Mr. Lawal Ibrahim, the Nigeria Port Manager at Lagos Port Complex, who delivered a paper titled “Bridging the Gap to Actualise 24-Hour Port Operations in Nigeria: A Strategic and Sustainable Pathway” at the 5th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held recently in Apapa, Lagos.

Mr. Ibrahim emphasized that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) plays a pivotal role in facilitating maritime trade in Nigeria. He stated, “One key aspect of this commitment is the operation of 24-hour port services, particularly in areas crucial to vessel handling, cargo movement, and port access control,” while also highlighting current practices, infrastructural developments, and ongoing initiatives aimed at bridging existing gaps.

Speaking on the current state of 24-hour operations at Nigerian ports, he disclosed that the NPA already operates several core services on a round-the-clock basis, particularly within Lagos ports.

While noting that the NPA continues to make significant efforts to ensure its operations are efficient, responsive, and technology-driven in line with international best practices, Lawal expressed concern that challenges such as security issues limit the NPA’s ability to extend these operations to all port locations nationwide.

He listed seven key services currently operating on a 24-hour basis, including Pilot Services, Marine Services, Vessel Traffic Management and Control, Exit Gate Operations, Automated Billing System, Electronic Call-Up System, and the Port Community System (PCS).

On pilotage services, he affirmed that NPA operates 24/7 across all pilotage districts, enabling continuous vessel movement—including berthing and sailing—both day and night. He noted that pilots work in rotational shifts to maintain uninterrupted operations, a critical component of port efficiency and safety.

Regarding Marine Services, Lawal explained that functions such as towage, mooring, and tug assistance are also active round-the-clock and are essential for safe navigation. These services are manned in shifts to ensure constant availability.

In the area of Vessel Traffic Management and Control, the Lagos Port Complex boss noted that with support from Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) infrastructure and personnel, vessel movements are monitored 24/7 to prevent congestion and collisions in port waters.

Discussing Exit Gate Operations, he revealed that at both the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) and Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), the gates remain operational 24/7, allowing for seamless truck ingress and egress at all hours. He said this development has improved cargo evacuation and reduced truck turnaround time.

He further emphasized that the NPA’s Automated Billing System enables customers to make payments online without needing to be physically present. This, he said, enhances operational efficiency and allows for near real-time processing of vessel-related invoices—an essential requirement for continuous operations.

Similarly, he highlighted the Electronic Call-Up System as an effective traffic management solution that ensures real-time scheduling of cargo trucks, helping to enhance traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks within the port corridor.

Lawal also pointed to the NPA’s ongoing efforts to implement the Port Community System (PCS)—a unified digital platform that will integrate all port stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies. He stressed that once fully deployed, PCS will significantly enhance coordination of 24-hour operations through seamless data exchange and real-time visibility of port processes.

He outlined additional strategic steps needed to consolidate and expand 24-hour operations nationwide. These include enhanced maritime security through collaboration with NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and leveraging the Deep Blue Project; round-the-clock customs availability to enable continuous clearance and cargo documentation; infrastructure upgrades such as the installation of proper lighting at critical access points; and digital transformation, with PCS and remote payment authentication as central enablers.

Speaking further, Lawal acknowledged that the NPA has made substantial progress in establishing 24-hour port operations through sustained investments in marine services, pilotage, traffic management, and digital systems.

While affirming that most port functions in Lagos already operate on a 24-hour basis, he noted that the full realization of such operations at the Eastern Ports hinges on resolving security concerns and boosting marine assets.

He added: “The full implementation of the Port Community System, coupled with stronger inter-agency collaboration, will position the NPA to deliver on ministerial targets and significantly boost Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.”