Dantsoho: Infrastructure Modernisation and National Single Window to Tackle Port Bottlenecks
Nifemi Coker
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to a wholesale digital and structural overhaul of the nation’s maritime gateways.
The dual-pronged strategy, centered on the National Single Window (NSW) project and a comprehensive Port Modernisation programme, aims to finally eliminate the systemic inefficiencies stifling Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
During an interactive session with maritime correspondents in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara, disclosed that the modernisation initiative is slated to commence in Lagos.
Supported by a $700 million Federal Government investment, the project will eventually scale to cover all port locations nationwide.
On the digital front, the implementation of the National Single Window is viewed by industry experts as the “holy grail” of Nigerian maritime reform as the unified platform is expected to drastically reduce the cargo clearing cycle from weeks to days.
He added that beyond digital reforms, a renewed focus on multi-modal evacuation of cargoes will significantly cut down the gridlock along port access roads.
Addressing the controversial Electronic Truck Call-up System (ETO), Dantsoho noted that the Authority is currently conducting a strategic review of the initiative’s efficiency, throughput, and optimization assuring stakeholders that the review would result in a more seamless logistics chain.
Responding to concerns regarding the concentration of investment in the South-West, Dantsoho clarified that the government’s capital expenditure is driven by Return on Investment (ROI). While Lagos is a major revenue driver, plans are underway to ensure that the Eastern ports remain viable and integrated into the national maritime master plan.
The NPA chief urged the maritime press to maintain its role as an industry watchdog demanding accountability and reporting on societal developments with professionalism.
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