Dr. Segun Musa (Deputy National President, Air and Logistics, NAGAFF)
One of the major reasons Nigeria has not been able to achieve 24 hours port operation is because there is no political will to enforce this. A 24-hour running of port operations in Nigeria is achievable but the government is not interested.
It is important to recognize that the development of robust transportation network is not merely about connecting cities and regions, it is about laying the foundation for sustained economic growth, societal advancement and global competitiveness. It is evident that Nigeria’s government’s commitment to infrastructure development is clearly outlined in the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) presenting opportunities for public – private partnerships and foreign investments.
Babatunde Mukaila (Immediate Past National Secretary, ANLCA)
It is quite unfortunate that our ports in Nigeria are yet to run efficiently, how much more, having a 24-hour schedule of operations. I think one of the major challenges hindering the 24-hour operations at Nigerian ports is the insistence for human interface by the corrupt government regulatory agencies. Another challenge is the unbridled territorial rivalry among the agencies of government. I believe if these issues are addressed, achieving a 24-hour port operation in Nigeria will be possible.
Otunba Sola Olatunji (Shipowner)
The issue of 24 hours port efficiency, no doubt, may be achievable if well planned. However, have you looked at infrastructure decay in Apapa and the port in particular? Can this support the dream of 24 hours cargo clearing at the port? They need to refresh port infrastructure first and also improve on roads, traffic management within the Apapa, and the ports in particular, before they start talking about 24-hour clearing of cargo.
Gbolahan Adu (NISA Publicity Secretary)
One of the factors disrupting 24 hours port operation in Nigeria is man power. What is the man power strength in the operations of the port? Beyond and after automation, human power or human capacity has to be encouraged. When I say encouraged, I mean as per their salaries, the environment, the road network and others have to be upgraded and maintained accordingly. Also, there must be a handshake from various agencies that are involved in ensuring 24 hours operations unless there will still be hitches in the sector.
Engr. Wale George (Vice President, Nigerian Merchant Navy)
The major challenges faced in achieving 24 hours operations at the ports are as follows: First is that too many government agencies in the ports are doing the same thing, it should be once a truck or container is checked thoroughly then it should be fully certified to be okay for transportation out of the ports. Also, there is no easy access to and out of ports for clearance and delivery of cargoes. Truck drivers also fail to use the parking lot provided. All the necessary infrastructure should be put in place before we can talk of 24-hour port operations.
Pius Ujubonu (ANLCA Chieftain)
There are three major factors affecting the 24 hours operation of Nigerian ports. They are infrastructural deficit, lack of skilled manpower, and lack of will to implement policies selflessly. The ports lack good access roads. There is no regular supply of electricity to power business machines and ICT automation.
Most service providers, security and other government agencies work schedules are structured in manners that do not support uninterrupted service delivery. Customs formations only operate during the day, no night shifts in the ports. Most of the officers are not proficient in modern business machines such as computers and other related modern tools. There is nepotism which does not allow for merit as criteria for hiring skilled staff. There is also the issue of selfishness which tends to encourage seamed service as opposed to seamless operations. The government lacks deliberate control measures to encourage competition among service providers and also strong regulatory impetus for the industry, among other factors.
Captain Tajudeen Alao (National
There is no constant power supply at the ports. No port can run efficiently without adequate power supply. The security architecture of Nigerian ports is also very poor. The port environment is not very conducive for work as there are no conducive offices for port officers and stakeholders. The level of communication and information sharing among agencies and stakeholders is also very poor. There is no efficient delivery of port services without good communication and information sharing. Automation and Information Communication Technology (ICT) should be improved and greatly encouraged. 24 hours port operation is all about good and efficient automation process. There should be adequate education for an improved mindset for all stakeholders on the benefits, so that they can all play their part in the port process to achieve this feat.
Engr. Matthew Alalade (Former President, Merchant Navy)
24-hour port operation is achievable if all port players and machinery are on ground such as the Customs, terminal operators, Importers, exporters and others. The security and safety of the port should also be considered. If there is no security, there is no way there can be 24 hours port operation. The 24-hour port operation also includes the usage of the roads. All the necessary infrastructure should be put in place and ensure they are up and doing. The pilotage should also be in place. Most importantly, the security and safety of the ports should be given utmost priority when operating a 24 hour port process in Nigeria.
