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.