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<\/p>\nBy Raheem Ibrahim<\/b><\/p>\n
Maritime experts and stakeholders have outlined critical factors required to actualise Nigeria\u2019s smart port system, aimed at improving business efficiency and reducing delays in clearing and forwarding transactions.<\/p>\n
Representatives of key industry stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, made their recommendations at the 6th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, with the theme \u201cTowards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Among the speakers was the Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), Omotayo Dada, who explained that Nigeria cannot achieve a truly smart port regime without fully integrating seaports with Inland Dry Ports through rail connectivity and cargo visibility systems.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the role of Inland Dry Ports in modern port operations, Dada noted that the Kaduna Inland Dry Port and Nigeria\u2019s dry port system have moved beyond the planning stage into active operations, contributing to trade facilitation across the country\u2019s hinterland.<\/p>\n
According to him, the Kaduna Inland Dry Port handled about 9,850 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) within the past year, demonstrating growing utilisation of inland cargo facilities.<\/p>\n
He added that the facility, designated in 2015 and commissioned in 2018, remains Nigeria\u2019s first fully operational Inland Dry Port, playing a vital role in decentralising cargo movement and reducing pressure on Lagos seaports.<\/p>\n
Dada emphasised that discussions about smart ports in Nigeria must go beyond technology deployment to include integrated logistics systems that align people, processes, and infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we are having a smart port that has not successfully integrated the seaport with the Inland Dry Port through rail and cargo visibility, then we have not started. From my point of view as an Inland Dry Port operator, that model is open for business. It depends on feedback from Lagos to drive trade to other parts of Nigeria,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He disclosed that Inland Dry Ports have already begun shifting cargo traffic from coastal areas to inland regions, enabling traders to conduct business closer to their operational bases without frequent travel to Lagos.<\/p>\n
Dada insisted that effective rail connectivity between seaports and Inland Dry Ports, supported by digital cargo tracking and optimisation systems, would significantly enhance Nigeria\u2019s trade competitiveness.<\/p>\n
While calling for greater collaboration among stakeholders, he revealed that the Inland Dry Port system has facilitated payments exceeding \u20a69.5 trillion, underscoring its growing contribution to national trade and revenue generation. Despite these achievements, current utilisation levels remain far below full capacity.<\/p>\n
In his contribution, a former General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority and Master Mariner, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, called for the inclusion of environmental sustainability and marine operational systems in Nigeria\u2019s push towards smart port development.<\/p>\n
The maritime expert urged stakeholders to adopt a dual approach that combines digital efficiency with environmental responsibility. He also moved a motion recommending that the theme be amended to reflect \u201cTowards a Regime of Smart and Green Ports,\u201d noting that ports of the future must embrace sustainable practices to address climate change challenges.<\/p>\n
According to him, green port development aligns with global directives from international maritime bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which advocate environmentally friendly technologies in port operations.<\/p>\n
Ebubeogu explained that modern port equipment should be powered by low-emission or renewable energy sources. He added that within the next decade, ships calling at ports would increasingly be required to shut down onboard generators and connect to shore-based power systems powered by clean energy.<\/p>\n
He noted that such measures would significantly reduce carbon emissions and position Nigeria\u2019s ports to meet emerging global environmental standards.<\/p>\n
Beyond environmental concerns, Ebubeogu emphasised that smart port development must also incorporate critical marine operational components, including Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), fire protection systems, and electronic harbour management.<\/p>\n
He highlighted the importance of establishing a Port Marine Information System to enable harbour masters and pilots to communicate electronically with incoming vessels, thereby improving navigation safety and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n
The maritime expert also stressed the need for seamless collaboration between port authorities and digital system operators to ensure the success of Nigeria\u2019s National Single Window initiative.<\/p>\n
Ebubeogu further drew attention to the importance of improving logistics infrastructure around port locations, particularly roads within port corridors. He explained that port logistics rings must remain free of traffic bottlenecks and supported by well-maintained access roads to ensure efficient cargo movement.<\/p>\n
Also speaking, the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) attributed recent increases in haulage rates to the rising cost of diesel, while outlining plans to modernise trucking operations in line with Nigeria\u2019s transition to smart port systems.<\/p>\n
Adesina Ajibola, who represented the Chairman of AMATO, Remi Ogungbemi, said current trucking charges are primarily survival-driven rather than profit-oriented.<\/p>\n
He explained that the high cost of diesel, currently around \u20a62,000 per litre, has significantly influenced transport pricing across the maritime logistics chain.<\/p>\n
According to him, operators have been charging minimal rates necessary to sustain operations and maintain assets, noting that a reduction in diesel prices would likely result in a corresponding drop in haulage charges.<\/p>\n
He added that if diesel prices fall to previous levels of about \u20a6960 to \u20a61,000 per litre, trucking rates could return to a range of \u20a6200,000 to \u20a6300,000, which he described as survival-level pricing.<\/p>\n
Ajibola further noted that many truck owners have historically failed to adequately account for asset depreciation, maintenance costs, and operational risks, warning that neglecting such factors increases safety risks and accident potential within the sector.<\/p>\n
Continuing discussions on smart port development, he highlighted the need for trucking operators to align with the broader digital transformation of the maritime industry.<\/p>\n
He disclosed that AMATO began repositioning its operations about two to three years ago following engagements with key government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, to prepare for the emergence of smart port systems.<\/p>\n
According to him, the association identified several strategic projects aimed at integrating trucking activities into a smarter maritime ecosystem and preventing congestion in emerging logistics hubs such as Inland Dry Ports.<\/p>\n
Ajibola warned that without proper planning and smart systems, congestion challenges currently experienced around Lagos ports could simply be transferred to inland cargo facilities.<\/p>\n
He announced that AMATO is currently pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to develop a smart truck park, expected to commence soon. He also disclosed plans for fleet renewal initiatives and driver retraining programmes to improve safety standards and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the association is working on the rollout of an integrated haulage digital platform to enhance coordination among trucking operators and stakeholders within the maritime supply chain.<\/p>\n
As part of its modernisation drive, Ajibola revealed that AMATO is preparing to launch an insurance scheme for truck operators, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening financial protection and sustainability in the sector.<\/p>\n
The Dean of the School of Eloquence, Ubong Essien, emphasised the need for reliable power supply, telecommunications infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration to support Nigeria\u2019s transition to smart ports and a sustainable blue economy.<\/p>\n
Drawing from recent experience, Essien cited operational challenges encountered during the institution\u2019s attempt at the Longest Public Speaking Marathon, noting that unreliable digital infrastructure significantly affected post-event processes.<\/p>\n
According to him, the institution relied heavily on internet systems to transmit video recordings during the marathon but continued to experience difficulties several days after the exercise due to weak connectivity.<\/p>\n
He explained that if a single institution could face such constraints, the implications would be even greater within the complex port ecosystem, where uninterrupted connectivity is essential.<\/p>\n
Essien stressed that reliable electricity supply remains central to the success of smart port systems, urging greater involvement from power sector stakeholders such as the Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other energy providers.<\/p>\n
He noted that without stable electricity, digital port operations, cargo processing systems, and smart logistics platforms would struggle to function effectively.<\/p>\n
The dean also highlighted the importance of expanding participation in Nigeria\u2019s blue economy by involving professionals from diverse sectors beyond maritime operations.<\/p>\n
According to him, the concept should encourage collaboration among experts in finance, technology, telecommunications, and energy to strengthen maritime development.<\/p>\n
Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher of JournalNG Magazine and Convener of the Town Hall Meeting, Ismail Aniemu, called for a bold transition to a smart port regime in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the adoption of digital and automated systems is critical to improving efficiency, eliminating operational bottlenecks, and creating sustainable employment within the maritime sector.<\/p>\n
Aniemu noted that the global maritime industry is rapidly evolving towards technology-driven operations, warning that countries that fail to embrace smart port systems risk falling behind in international trade competitiveness.<\/p>\n
According to him, smart ports leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, and automation to streamline processes, reduce human interference, and enhance real-time decision-making.<\/p>\n
\u201cA smart port is fundamentally tech-driven. It deploys intelligent systems that minimise manual processes, improve turnaround time, and ensure seamless operations across the maritime value chain,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that Nigeria\u2019s current port system, which still relies heavily on manual procedures, contributes significantly to delays in cargo clearance, increased costs of doing business, and inefficiencies that discourage investment.<\/p>\n
Aniemu explained that transitioning to a smart port ecosystem would not only improve operational speed and transparency but also reduce corruption risks associated with excessive human interface.<\/p>\n
Addressing concerns among labour unions about potential job losses, he maintained that technological advancement would instead create new categories of employment requiring higher technical skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a misconception that automation leads to job losses. On the contrary, it leads to job transformation. A smart port will create opportunities for IT specialists, data analysts, automation engineers, and other skilled professionals,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
He urged maritime workers to embrace capacity building and upskilling initiatives to remain relevant in an increasingly digitalised industry, expressing confidence in the ability of Nigerian professionals to compete globally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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