operational efficiency in Nigeria Seaports
ZAINAB JUNAID
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, with the mandate of championing and prioritizing cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.
As part of the vision to actualize initiatives that would not only open up Nigerian Ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade facilitation, a pivotal strategic meeting was held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Monday, 15 January 2024, by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria (Virtual Attendee) respectively.
The key focal point of discussion at the meeting was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.
In a joint press release signed by the ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and Nigeria Customs Service-Ismail Omipidan, Media Aide to HM, Marine, and Blue Economy, and Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs, the meeting prioritize more on cargo scanning over Physical Examination; Repair and Utilization of Scanners.
According to the release, Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML.
Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.
"Rail Freight to Inland Containers Depot/Dry Ports- The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged continued commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, a strategic move to alleviate congestion at major ports. Plans were unveiled for the efficient evacuation of containers from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisaged for Onne Port.
"Bypassing Fixed Scanner during Rail Track Construction- Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development.
"Public-Private Partnerships for Scanning Installation and Maintenance: The meeting advocated for exploring Public-Private Partnerships to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology. This collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes.
"The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment. The anticipated implementation of these resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness," the statement read.
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