Stakeholders in nation’s maritime sector have identified critical challenges obstructing the realization of 24-hour port operations, citing infrastructure deficits, unskilled labour and manpower shortages, policy implementation gaps amongst others, as major hindrances. This is even as they called for urgent reforms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the industry.
Recall that investigations in a recent edition of Shipping Position Daily had revealed that Nigeria is forfeiting about N800 billion monthly due to the non-existence of 24-hour port operations. Data gathered by our correspondent revealed that from 2017 to 2020, Nigeria’s economy suffered a massive loss of over N38.4 trillion because of this operational limitation, breaking down to about N9.6 trillion annually, N800 billion monthly, and N200 billion weekly.
However, in a bid to address the persistent challenge of achieving 24-hour port operations in Nigeria, industry stakeholders have pin-pointed several key factors hindering the realization of this goal. From infrastructural deficits to unskilled and manpower shortages, communication gaps and others, these issues according to them continue to impede the efficiency and effectiveness of port operations across the country.
Speaking with a chieftain of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Pius Ujubonu, he highlighted three major factors contributing to the inability to sustain 24-hour port operations. He cited infrastructural deficiencies, such as poor access roads and unreliable electricity supply, as significant obstacles.
Ujubonu noted the lack of skilled manpower and a deficiency in policy implementation as critical challenges that need to be addressed urgently. He underscored the systemic issues within government agencies and service providers that disrupt uninterrupted service delivery.
Furthermore, Ujubonu criticized the absence of night shifts at customs formations pointing to nepotism and selfishness as factors that undermine merit-based hiring practices and encourage fragmented service delivery.
The ANLCA Chieftain also highlighted government’s failure to implement deliberate control measures aimed at fostering competition among service providers, including terminal operators and shipping agencies. He emphasized the need for stronger regulatory oversight to promote transparency and efficiency within the industry.
Ujubonu called for concerted efforts and policy interventions to address the infrastructural deficits, enhance manpower capacity, and foster a regulatory environment conducive to 24-hour port operations in Nigeria.
On his part, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Captain Tajudeen Alao, highlighted lack of constant power supply at the ports, emphasizing its critical importance in facilitating seamless operations. He stressed that without adequate power supply; no port can operate efficiently, thus hindering the timely processing of goods and vessels.
In addition to the power supply issue, Captain Alao expressed serious reservations about the security architecture of Nigerian ports, describing it as “very poor.” He cited concerns about the safety and security of port personnel, vessels, and cargo, calling for urgent measures to bolster security measures within port environments.
Speaking further, Captain Alao lamented the lack of conducive working conditions for port officers and stakeholders, noting the absence of suitable office facilities within port premises. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive work environment to enhance productivity and efficiency among port personnel.
Highlighting another critical area of concern, Captain Alao pointed at the inadequate level of communication and information sharing among port agencies and stakeholders. He stressed on the pivotal role of effective communication in facilitating the seamless delivery of port services, calling for improvements in this regard.
The NAMM President also stressed the need for greater investment in automation and Information Communication Technology (ICT) to streamline port processes and enhance operational efficiency. He emphasized that 24-hour port operations require a robust automation process to ensure continuous service delivery.
While concluding his thoughts, Captain Alao called for comprehensive measures to address these challenges, including improved power supply, enhanced security measures, better infrastructure, and greater investment in automation and ICT. He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards achieving these objectives to unlock the full potential of Nigerian ports and ensure their competitiveness on the global stage.
Speaking from the ship owners’ perspective, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Mr Gbolahan Adu noted that the effective functioning of ports requires not only skilled personnel but also a supportive and conducive work environment. He however called for improvements in salary structures to incentivize and motivate port workers, as well as upgrades to infrastructure such as road networks to facilitate smoother operations.
Adu emphasized the importance of collaboration among various agencies involved in port operations to ensure seamless 24-hour service delivery. He underscored the need for a coordinated approach among stakeholders to address manpower challenges and mitigate potential hitches in the sector.
In conclusion, Adu called for concerted efforts to address manpower shortages and enhance the working conditions of port personnel. He stressed that investing in human resources is essential for optimizing port operations and ensuring Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
