As Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho steps into his role as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), maritime stakeholders are voicing their high expectations for his tenure. Key industry figures are urging Dantsoho to prioritize eliminating trade bottlenecks, improving port efficiency, and addressing systemic corruption to enhance the overall performance and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had recently approved the appointment of a new Managing Director and Board Chairman for the Nigerian Ports Authority. Tinubu appointed Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director, while Senator Adedayo Adeyeye was appointed as the Board Chairman.
In a chat with Shipping Position Daily, a master mariner and member of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) Captain Taiwo Akinpelumi, emphasized the importance of infrastructure development and modernization, security and safety, efficiency, and process optimization.
Captain Akinpelumi stressed the need to upgrade existing port facilities and infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and increase cargo handling capacity. He highlighted the necessity of investing in modern technology and automation to streamline port operations and reduce turnaround times.
The Master Mariner maintained that enhancing port security measures to combat smuggling, piracy, and other illegal activities is crucial, along with implementing stringent safety protocols to protect workers and cargo, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
Stressing the importance of Stakeholders engagement and collaboration, Akinpelumi noted that engaging with key stakeholders, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trade associations, to understand their needs and address concerns is essential.
On his part, the General Secretary of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Bala Muhammed emphasized the need to eliminate bottlenecks along the port corridors that are plagued by numerous checkpoints manned by both governmental and non-governmental entities. These checkpoints, according to him, significantly hinder smooth movement of cargo.
Muhammed also highlighted the importance of reinforcing the e-call up system with e-tags to ensure free flow of traffic and reduce terminal inefficiencies. Addressing these issues is crucial to alleviating the persistent gridlock that affects port corridors, ultimately facilitating more efficient trade.
Echoing these concerns, a prominent chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Sir John Oforbike called for the transfer of long-serving staff from Lagos seaports to restore sanity and transparency within the system. He expressed confidence in the new Managing Director, noting that for the first time, the organization has a leadership team perfectly suited to their roles.
Oforbike also wished the new management success throughout their tenure, hoping their efforts would bring about the much-needed reforms in the NPA. “There is a corrupt system that undermines every good intention at the NPA. Many bottlenecks subvert government policies and should be dismantled immediately,” he stated.
Also, the Registrar of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Academy, Mr. Francis Omotosho emphasized the critical need for the new Managing Director to streamline the electronic call-up system, integrating it with a robust appointment system. He pointed out that while the Eto system is a welcome development, the persistent issue of trucks lying on or queuing along the bridge to the port remains.
Omotosho stressed that this problem stems from the lack of a proper trucks appointment system by terminal operators. Without harmonizing these systems, he warned, operational inefficiencies would continue.
Reflecting on the achievements of the former MD of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, Omotosho expressed expectation that the new leadership would build on and surpass these accomplishments.
“Terminal operators should ideally develop an appointment system where they allocate specific slots for trucks to proceed directly to the port. We expect the new MD to contribute significantly to the development of the port system in this country” Omotosho said.
On his part, the immediate past National President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO/WTSSA), Engr. Matthew Alalade echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for enhanced port infrastructure and reduced ship turnaround time. He also called for the implementation of a 24-hour port operation to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
