The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has received the report for the Port Community System (PCS) implementation in Nigerian ports
While receiving the report, he expressed hope that Port Community System will position Nigeria for greater opportunities in the global blue economy industry.
The Port Community System is expected to enhance ease of doing business in ports within the country.
Receiving the report for the implementation of PCS in Abuja, Oyetola said the nation stands a better chance of exploring the inherent benefits in the system.
The PCS initiative aligns with the convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and its objectives include preventing unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, enhancing cooperation between governments, and ensuring uniformity in formalities and procedures.
Oyetola who emphasised that the implementation of the PCS was a key performance indicator given to his ministry by President Bola Tinubu, observed that adopting the initiative would position Nigeria to benefit from global trade opportunities.
He stated that, “realising the importance of the implementation of the PCS on the fulfilment of the overarching objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda, President Bola Tinubu included the implementation of the Port Community System as a Key Performance Indicator for the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Presidential Performance Bond I signed as a minister.”
The minister also commended the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for their foresight in seeking technical guidance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in the development of the PCS report.
While assuring that he would play a leading role in achieving the objectives of the initiative, he also urged the NPA to expedite the procurement process for appointing a company to deploy the PCS and to seek ministerial intervention where necessary, particularly in areas outside their jurisdiction, such as linkages with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies.
Similarly, he commended the team from IMO, project consultants, and the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) for their professionalism and dedication in coming up with the PCS report.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko said automation remains the most sustainable path to make ports in Nigeria more efficient and competitive, adding that “the implementation of the PCS would eliminate all forms of human interface and attendant delays that undermine the efficiency of our ports.”
Describing the implementation of the PCS as a matter of national importance, he promised Oyetola that the NPA would ensure diligence, determination and discipline required to make the implementation of the initiative a reality.
