Nigeria Ports and The Challenge of Cargo Handling
Nigerian Ports
Chief Adebayo Sarumi is the man who supervised the concessioning of Nigerian sea ports to private sector participation in 2006 when the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), became the Landlord as private operators were brought in to handle terminal operations such as cargo handling, dock labour and other port operations.
“Jobs will be created, investments opportunities will open up and the economy will grow as more businesses expand” we were told.
The Nigerian Ports Authority Act 1999, Cap. 126 Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 vests the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) with the responsibilities and functions of providing and operating necessary facilities in ports, maintaining, improving and regulating the use of the ports and to provide for matters connected therewith.
This statutory provision makes NPA the undisputed regulator on sea port operations and development in Nigeria.
Reforms after reforms, the debate on how many jobs have been created ranges on as unemployment and poverty statistics/data speaks loudly.
Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, former port manager and stakeholder came to the job prepared. He has demonstrated capacity, know-how and commitment since assuming office as Managing Director on July 22, 2024. He took over from Mohammed Bello-Koko.
To make the Ports competitive, attractive and customer friendly, the federal government sacked some of it agencies, such as the Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, from operating inside the ports.
The following agencies were listed as certified to operate inside the ports:
i.The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
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- Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA
iii. The Nigerian Shippers Council
- The Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS)
- Port Health Services
- Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission
vii. Nigeria Police Force (Maritime Police)
viii. Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency
So much has happened and several official and unofficial “Agencies” have found their way back into the ports or are working very hard to carve a corner for themselves within the precincts of the ports-causing chaos, traffic issues and cargo evacuation hindrances in the ports.
The Multi-Agency Taskforce
Worried by and concerned with traffic and congestion issues emerging from the ports, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, convened a stakeholders meeting of security agencies, traffic management agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government to work out measures to address traffic bottlenecks affecting movement of cargo in and out of the seaports.
Illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions have been identified as causes of the latest traffic buildup being experienced on Apapa and Tin Can Island Port access roads.
NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemakara, told our reporter that the formation of the taskforce became an overriding priority to guarantee the free movement of cargo in and out of the seaports in Lagos, which are being affected by the traffic buildup along port access road corridors.
Onyemakara stated that operatives of the multi-taskforce are drawn from the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners NARTO, and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO.
“The responsibility of the taskforce is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.
He noted that members of the taskforce are not permitted to establish checkpoints along the corridors but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.
“To enhance rapid response, the taskforce has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention”
“On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up ETO system contract, the NPA is currently reviewing the terms and conditions to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh contract”, The GM said.
He also disclosed that though the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks TTP, pending the completion of the procurement process. He however expressed optimism that the renewal would be concluded soon.
“I wish to reaffirm the commitment of NPA to maintaining free traffic flow on port access roads, because efficient logistics remain central to the Authority’s drive towards improving Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation”
“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest” Onyemakara declared.
Again, it is Stakeholders expectation that this taskforce restores confidence, minimize traffic delays and ultimately reduce cost of doing business in the sea ports of Nigeria.