By Mary Onyia
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have launched the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC), a new initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing the ease of doing business at Nigeria’s seaports.
At the inaugural meeting held in Lagos, PEBEC’s Director General, Zahrah Mustapha, stressed the importance of addressing inefficiencies within the maritime sector. She pointed out the significant missed opportunities that could potentially stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth and urged a unified effort from all stakeholders—terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and regulators—to improve port infrastructure, reduce delays, eliminate redundant processes, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.
In his address, NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho outlined key initiatives designed to reposition Nigeria’s ports for greater competitiveness. His focus was on improving infrastructure, modernizing equipment, integrating advanced technology, and building human capacity. Dantsoho acknowledged that many facilities, especially at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, are severely outdated and require urgent rehabilitation.
Highlighting the government’s recent approval for the reconstruction of these critical ports, Dantsoho emphasized that the upgrades would enhance berth depth and increase cargo handling capacity. On the technological front, the NPA is collaborating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to implement the Port Community System (PCS). This system aims to streamline port operations, reduce paperwork, improve operational efficiency, and increase revenue generation for the country.