Business
Port Reforms: Committee, Stakeholders Seek System Automation
Head, Sub-committee on
Port Reform of the National Economic Management, Mr Gabriel Ajuda, recently identified the need to fully integrate automation and improve human capability in running the port system as a prerequisite for effective reform of the nation’s ports.
Ajuda, who stated this at a joint stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, noted that it was also important to have people who could manage duties assigned to them.
He also stressed the need for “call-up system” for trucks and the use of port access roads as parking lots in order to avoid congestion at the ports.
“You realise that it is not enough to just put reforms in place, you must be able to match man and machine for us to achieve what we are looking for at the port.
“What we are here to do is to look at the role that man plays, with the automation in place.”
He called for a form of reversed penalties for anyone found unduly delaying cargoes at the port and causing demurrage.
Ajuda, however, warned importers against inducing unnecessary delays by themselves.
Mrs Dabney Shall-Homa, Director, Commercial Shipping Services of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), said automation of the port system was paramount for a new port order.
Shall-Homa said that the port system was operating on a half-baked technology that had refused to integrate.
According to her, by 2015, when international trade begins to operate on a fully-automated system, countries that failed to key into the single window system will have difficulties in the flow.
“We need flexible technology to drive the system; the infrastructure on which the technology will actually function, and competent people who are the operators of the technology.
“We do not need those who do not understand the industry, but they must understand the input of what they are doing and the relevance of the maritime industry economically to national development.”
Representing the shipping companies, Mr Okorie Obioma, called for a revival of the rail system to attain a new port order.
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
-
News11 hours agoRSG Reiterates Commitment To Youth Dev
-
Business8 hours agoNSCDC Discloses Illegal Dump Site In Ikwerre Community
-
Rivers8 hours agoPolice Launch Community-Centred National Day Celebration In Rivers, Today
-
Business8 hours agoYenagoa’s Radisson Hotel Ready December — NCDMB, Other
-
Maritime8 hours agoMWUN Raises Alarm Over Port Security Lapses In Lagos
-
Maritime8 hours agoNNS Hands Over Two Suspected Stowaways to Immigration Service
-
Maritime8 hours agoMaritime Workers Demand Reinstatement Of Tally Clerks, Gangway Security Over Port Revenue Loss
-
Environment8 hours agoFG Alls For stronger Partnerships, Women Inclusion In Water Governance