Findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed a significant divide among stakeholders regarding the effectiveness and implementation of the National Port Process Manual (NPPM). While some industry leaders hail the manual as a significant regulatory tool, others question its practical impact on port operations.
The NPPM was designed to standardize port procedures and ensure transparency and efficiency in cargo handling and other port activities. It provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including customs agents, port operators, and regulatory bodies. The objective is to streamline operations and reduce delays and corruption
However, stakeholders in the maritime industry including freight forwarders and logistics expert have expressed divergent views over the functionality and effectiveness of the NPPM.
In a chat with our correspondent, a former National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Babatunde Mukaila emphasized the robustness of the NPPM. He said “The NPPM has stood the test of time. However, the average practitioner seems oblivious to this fact and is unwilling to take advantage of this noble document,” Mukaila stated. He argued that the manual provides a comprehensive framework for port activities that, if properly utilized, could enhance efficiency and transparency in the industry.
But contrasting this view, the General Secretary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); Kingsley Igwe expressed skepticism about the manual’s usage. ” I don’t think it is in use because, since I’ve been doing business at the port, there hasn’t been anything to show as evidence that it is practically implemented,” Igwe remarked.
He highlighted that while the manual serves as a guideline; its practical significance appears minimal. Igwe noted that the processes at different port terminals often vary, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
The NAGAFF scribe further elaborated on the inconsistencies in port operations, citing examples from more developed port systems. “In advanced countries like the Netherlands, Singapore, and China, port processes are strictly and religiously adopted. Even a novice can navigate the procedures without needing assistance because everything is clearly documented and accessible,” he explained. In contrast, Igwe pointed out that Nigeria’s port procedures lack such uniformity and transparency, resulting in a lower level of service and operational inefficiencies.
Another stakeholder, Grace Adeyemi, a shipping company executive, voiced her support for the NPPM, but acknowledged the challenges in its implementation. “The NPPM is a critical tool for ensuring standardized procedures at our ports. However, there is a significant gap in enforcement and awareness. Many port users are either unaware of the manual or choose to ignore it due to lack of consequences,” Adeyemi observed. She called for increased training and stringent enforcement to bridge this gap.
Conversely, Michael Okoro, a logistics expert, criticized the manual’s current state. “The NPPM, in theory, is excellent, but in practice, it falls short. The inconsistency in port operations and the lack of a unified procedure across terminals make it difficult for businesses to rely on the manual. We need a more proactive approach from authorities to ensure that the manual is not just a document, but a living guide that is actively followed,” Okoro suggested.
However, in a swift reaction, Mr. Moses Fadipe, the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) Coordinator, defended the NPPM’s relevance and application. “Let me debunk the statement that the port process manual has been jettisoned. The manual is a compendium of activities guided by rules and regulations, which must be followed strictly,” Fadipe asserted. He explained that any deviation from the manual constitutes an infraction, punishable under the business taxation Act. Fadipe emphasized the importance of reporting any deviations to the concerned authorities to ensure adherence to the prescribed procedures.
Fadipe also shared an incident to illustrate the manual’s enforcement. “I received a report this morning about a vessel in Apapa where an agent attempted to bypass the established procedures. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the agent had indeed violated the rules, and appropriate actions were taken,” he recounted. Fadipe underscored that the manual is still in force and urged stakeholders to report infractions to maintain order and efficiency at the ports.
