Minister/MD Speeches at the Launch of NPA’s CCCIS

I am glad to be here today to witness the formal commissioning of the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence System (CCCIS) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).  It is indeed my pleasure to identify with this remarkable milestone in the development of our Port Operational System.

It is pertinent to note that the development of this facility began with an approval in 2013 with the aim of providing Business Intelligence for the movement of vessels and cargoes, as well as providing improved and secured communications within our waterways; for enhancement of efficiency within the nation’s Seaports’

I wish to reiterate that this is one of the positive responses to the dynamics of Port modernization as well as a device for stemming the safety, security and operational challenges facing the Port system and the Maritime Industry.

This is so because this infrastructure comprises of long and short range video surveillance monitoring systems as well as several other software applications which are in line with the International Maritime Organization Conventions for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) and Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) code.

Let me state that the sea ports in Nigeria provide one of the major platforms for trade facilitation with about 90% of our imports and exports being done through the seaports.  This would not have been possible without the support of Mr. President.

May I at this juncture, thank the President and Commander-in- Chief, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his unflinching support in ensuring the safety and security of all business sectors, as well as trade facilitation and diversification of the Nigerian Economy. This has promoted export trade which in the near future will stimulate the growth of the Nation’s GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP).

In this regards, Nigeria as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will remain committed to upholding the thrust of the Organization, in the areas of safety, security, environmental protection and trade facilitation.

I wish to stress that what we are doing here today, is a clear demonstration of Governments commitment to uphold our vision for the maritime industry to develop a safe, secure, clean marine environment and efficient integrated maritime network for effective global shipping at competitive cost.

It is not in doubt therefore, that this conceptualization, development and installation of this Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence System by the NPA will in no small way promote the rating of our ports by the IMO.

Accordingly, Government on its own part will continue to encourage laudable projects like this to ensure safety, security, environmental protection, efficiency and also to improve on revenue generation.

On this note, I wish to congratulate the management and staff of the NPA for this giant stride and urge them to continue to improve on the automation of the Port system. I also urge the Port community to key into the utilization of this facility for efficient Port Services.

MD’S Speech

It’s our pleasure at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to welcome you to this landmark event culminating in the official commissioning of this ULTRA MODERN device, by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. The COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, AND INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM (CCCIS), a Marine Operation and surveillance centre.

This facility has been developed to cover Maritime activities in the six Ports and four Pilotage districts supporting required information and data as needed by the industry. It is noteworthy that this project represents a journey and not a destination as it will incorporate other Port automotive devices like the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) pursuant to the chapter V regulation 12 of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Integrated Port Community Information System (IPSIS) with the ultimate goal to establishing an automated single window system for the Maritime industry. Hence, the concept of open architecture with a design for modular compatibility.

What we are presenting for commissioning today began in 2013, when Government graciously approved the development of this Marine Operations and Surveillance Centre.

This project comprises of the Marine Operational Centre (MOC) will enable the actual monitoring of vessels. The Network Operations Centre (NOC) which is the support, and infrastructure data base, which stores all information including recorded videos.

Honourable Minister Sir, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the development of this cutting edge technology, is another step towards the enhancement of the organization’s drive towards the automation of our operations in order to deliver our core values of efficient service delivery in a safe secure environment and with innovative ideas to ensure that our customers and stakeholders are satisfied at all times.

I wish to inform our distinguished guest, that as an agency responsible for administering the international convention for safety of life at sea (SOLAS) in Nigeria, the NPA encourages and facilitates the general adoption of the highest practical standards concerning Maritime safety, as well as achieving efficiency in navigation so as to prevent and control marine pollution from ships.

On matters of maritime security, responsibility is placed on the Ports Authority to undertake detailed security assessment of Port facilities and identify threats in order to checkmate them.

Furthermore, it would enable us to surmount Security and Safety Challenges within our operations and the entire Maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea with the capability of an interface with stakeholders aiding us to track and record Maritime Security breaches.

In addition, this technology will enable the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) not just to generate adequate revenue but also to ensure that all revenue leakages are blocked, in furtherance of the Federal Government efforts towards revitalizing our economy.

In the days ahead, the Nigerian Ports Authority will be playing pro-active roles in the digital space, ensuring there is synergy and collaboration amongst agencies in the Ports like the Navy, NIMASA, Customs and other security an intelligence agencies for the purpose sharing of information, documentation and intelligence to enhance Maritime safety, security as well as block revenue leakages.

I therefore congratulate the Federal Government on this feat which has been achieved by an assemblage of technocrats, about the best in the world. Indeed, today we can beat our chest about this technology which has better positioned us in the drive to attaining the hub status we have all longed for.

I wish to extend my appreciation to the directorates of Marine and Operations and Finance and Administration who constituted the engine room of this project and worked tirelessly day and night for its actualization. I am proud of you all.

It is expedient to also note that, this could not have been possible without the support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other stakeholders including the contractors who delivered on real time. I wish to assure the Federal Government that the organization would maintain this facility and put it to optimal use for the satisfaction of all even as I state herewith also that this automation process is still on-going as the best is yet to come, we have only completed its first.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, may I at this juncture, invite the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Honourable Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to the podium to declare this magnificent centre officially opened.