Experts Hail NPA’s Community Information System

Some maritime experts last Tuesday commended the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) for inaugurating Community Information System (CIS) to reduce documentation at the ports.

The maritime experts told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that the establishment of the CIS, which was launched on April 5, was a good development.

The Chairman of Port Consultative Council (PCC), Chief Kunle Folarin, said that the CIS would facilitate information sharing among stakeholders at the ports.

He urged the stakeholders in the maritime industry to make use of the CIS and to take notes of issues arising from its implementation.

“The use of the community information system will make for improvement at the ports as it will speed up operation and probably make the 48-hour cargo clearance achievable in no time,“Folarin told our correspondent.

The President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Eugene Nweke, said that the CIS would assist stakeholders to rely on the supply chain for easy communication and effective networking.

“The CIS is there to synchronise the system in terms of trade facilitation.

“ Rather than jumping up and down, the CIS will provide an avenue to channel issues bothering stakeholders at the ports,“ Nweke said.

Newke said that the new technology would enhance performance and also assist the freight forwarders in solving issues of number of days it takes to position cargoes.

The Secretary of Shippers Association in Lagos State, Mr Jonathan Nicol, said that the CIS was long overdue.

“This network would enhance local security within the ports complex.

“The CIS would also chase out the pilfering within the ports,| he said.

Nicol said that it was a commendable thing that would assist the NPA to track movement of individuals at the ports.