As Captain Umoren, Government Ekpemupolo , others receive Symbolic Plaques of Honour

Maritime stakeholder have called on the Federal Government to move away from promises to immediate action if efforts to modernize and automate port processes are manifest and transform the ports to global competitive standards.

The concerned stakeholders who spoke at this year’s National Discourse with Distinguished Maritime Personalities, DMPs, under the theme Port Modernization:  “Automation, Regulation, Administration and Competencies”,

Insisted that government policies as being implemented by its agencies seems not to be aligned but operating in isolation from the national set goals and objectives.

Welcoming participants consisting of paper presenter, discussants, media executives and maritime enthusiasts, Mr. Kelvin Kagbare, convener and coordinator of the annual National Discourse with Distinguished Maritime Personalities,  said the Discourse is intended to chart a progressive course for Nigeria’s maritime growth.

“As we congregate under the theme: “Port Modernization: Automation, Regulation, Administration and Competencies”—a theme that resonates with the urgent need to reposition our maritime industry for global relevance and sustainable growth, we gather for an urgent quest in dire search of transformation of our maritime industry, Kagbare said.

Running under its established format of Recognitions, Presentations, Discussions and Summation, the organizers wasted no time in delving into the business of the day.

Captain Warredi Enisuoh as lead speaker/paper presenter came prepared and ready. His presentation focused on the need and gains of Automation and Modernization of Nigerian Maritime industry-ports and entire operating systems.

According to the Maritime, Aviation and  Security expert,  automation and modernization is the way to go but for that to happen the  Mechanical side which includes: Hydraulic, mechanics and pneumatics, the Electronics side which includes the electricals/electronics must be fully efficient.

“The best and cheapest way to achieve full automation is through green field projects it enables planners to design ports from scratch with integrated systems and space optimization” Enisuoh said.

He as well listed three conditions for automation to be attained:

Yard: Must be fully automated with the global positioning system (GPS), an automatic guided vehicles (AGV) and automated stacking cranes (ASC).

Terminals Must have automated global system (AGS) and automated ship to shore cranes (ASSC).

Foreland and Hinterland: The cargo evacuation mechanisms such as trucks, trains and warehouses must be modern and adequate.

With visuals and slides, Captain Enisuoh demonstrated the impacts of automation with clear evidence of reduction in operating costs of up to 50%, better utilization of spaces, reduced human interference, increased productivity, improved access to data, enhanced security, improved turnaround time for ships, enhanced multi-modalism, noise reduction, and endless opportunities and growth for country and citizens.

Container Authentication

Dr, Enisuoh explained how to authenticate and know illegal containers with audio visuals, using a combination of Mathematics, research and innovation.

Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Michael Umoren, represented by Engr. Richard Owolabi  of the Abuja MoU, thanked the organizers and applauded the theme, describing it as timely and in tandem with current issues at both national, regional and global round tables where maritime issues are being discussed.

Speaking on Port Modernization  Capt. Umoren said “To modernize our ports is to modernize our economy. In a world driven by data and technology, efficiency is now measured in minutes, not days. Countries that have embraced port automation are already witnessing remarkable results. The World Bank’s 2024 Logistics Performance Index shows that digitized ports record up to 65 percent faster vessel turnaround, 40 percent shorter cargo dwell time, and 25 percent lower operational costs. These are not mere statistics; they are the dividends of foresight and reform”

“For our region, the challenge is not whether modernization is necessary, but how quickly we can achieve it and how inclusively we can implement it. Port modernization must therefore go beyond physical infrastructure to embrace a holistic transformation, technological, institutional, and human. It demands strong policies that encourage innovation while maintaining safety, effective coordination among agencies, transparent governance, and above all, competent people to sustain the gains” the Secretary General of the Abuja MoU said.

Dr. Segun Musa. Group Managing Director, GMD of Global Transport Policy and Wide scope International, represented by Mr. Marc Onuchi  in his paper presentation said   agencies of government have plenty of work to do to achieve full automation and modernization of Nigeria’s port industry.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has achieved stability through the implementation of the electronic call-up system (Ètò) and electronic barrier systems, which monitor truck movement and have eliminated the chaos previously fueled by touts and illegal parking. While this restored discipline is essential, these administrative fixes merely manage symptoms of deep-seated logistical and infrastructural constraints. The underlying modernization challenge requires transitioning beyond administrative containment to integrated, large-scale technological and governance reform”.

The GTP Boss insisted that Nigeria requires a dual-track strategy for automation. Greenfield developments, such as Lekki Deep Seaport, should aim for the highest levels of full automation, replicating models like Tanger Med, which utilizes remote-controlled Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and electric Automated Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) cranes.

“Brownfield sites such as Apapa/Tin Can) require a strategic, phased implementation approach such as Process Simplification: Nigeria must first standardize and streamline cumbersome processes, particularly yard planning and truck routing, to drastically reduce the high volume of  exceptions that plague port operations” Musa said

Mrs. Rollens Mcfoy agreed with speakers and presenters at the event. She however stated that Nigerian ports need to improve competencies in areas such as digitalization and automation, operational efficiency, and human capital development.

“Key skills required include strategic decision-making, data analysis, teamwork, and adaptability especially in modern port operations that involve complex technology, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Additionally, there is a need for continuous training to align with international standards, improve customer engagement, enhance Human capital and skills collaboration to reduce delays and optimize performance” the Ocean Deep Boss said