Achieving Seamless Ports and Cargo Business in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

 By Lod Onyeji

Dr. Leonard Anyanwu, a renowned logistics expert, delivered a keynote address at the Anchor of Nigerian Ports Conference, an event organized by Portbizness Communications. The conference focused on addressing the core factors hindering seamless operations in Nigerian ports.

Anyanwu emphasized the significance of the ports industry to Nigeria's economy, highlighting the need for efficient operations to drive growth. He identified five key challenges facing ports and cargo business in Nigeria:

1. Infrastructure deficiencies

2. Inefficient processes

3. Security concerns

4. Regulatory and administrative hurdles

5. Capacity and skill gaps

Anyanwu stressed that overcoming these challenges requires collective effort, commitment to administrative efficiency, and professionalism. He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its efforts in addressing some of these challenges and urged the agency to continue its good work.

Industry players have suggested solutions to these challenges, including:

1. Infrastructure development

2. Process automation and digitalization

3. Security enhancements

4. Regulatory reforms

5. Capacity building and training

Anyanwu emphasized that implementing these solutions is crucial to achieving seamless port operations, reducing congestion, and increasing efficiency. He expressed optimism that the new Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and renewed collaboration with stakeholders will bring about desired change.

The logistics expert also called on ports users to adhere to trade rules, citing wrong declaration and circumvention of trade rules as factors hindering seamless port operations.

In a related development, the Anchor of Nigerian Ports Conference brought together stakeholders to discuss challenges facing Nigerian ports and cargo business. With a focus on achieving seamless operations, the conference aimed to identify solutions to infrastructure deficiencies, inefficient processes, security concerns, regulatory hurdles, and capacity gaps. Industry experts and stakeholders shared insights and suggestions, emphasizing the need for collective effort and commitment to drive growth in Nigeria's ports industry.