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Has Port Concession Met Stakeholders’ Expectations?

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In 2006, the Federal
Government conceded Nigerian ports to 26 private terminal operators to ensure efficiency and reduce costs of doing business at the ports.
Stakeholders, conversely, note that although the aim of the concession is to improve productivity and competitiveness, little of the objectives of the exercise have been achieved.
They, nonetheless, admitted that before the concession regime, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) demonstrated low level of efficiency resulting in long Turn Around Time (TAT) for ships and increased cargo dwell time.
According to them, the cargo dwell time is in contrast to the 48-hour international standard to clear cargo at ports.
“The pre-concession era was also marked with over-bloated, excessive port charges and pilfering, while ports infrastructure remained in decadence.
“Nigeria’s shipping profile nose-dived with the sale of 21 ships belonging to the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
“Up till today, efforts to resuscitate the national carrier NNSL since its demise in the 90s proved abortive.
“Indigenous ship owners also groaned over lack of jobs as their ships were rendered idle, a situation which had yet to improve,’’ they observe.
They opine that conceding Nigerian ports to private operators ought to have improved services beyond the expectations of Nigerians.
In the light of this, Chief Kunle Folarin, the Chairman, Nigerian Port Consultative Council, called for an assessment of the port concession regime.
At a news conference on the Review of Port Concessioning in Lagos recently, he pointed out that in spite of the high expectations of Nigerians from the concession; little improvement had taken place at the nation’s ports.
“Corrupt practices are still prevalent among ports operators, complaints of high port charges still persist as well as lack of adequate and modern equipment by the terminal operators.
“Ships and cargo are lost to neighbouring countries because of excessive charges and access roads to the ports are in deplorable condition,’’ he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Malam Mohammed Bashar, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, said that the port reform had not even met some expectations of government.
He noted that arbitrary and high port charges, undue delay of cargo clearance and abuses of the concession agreement were prevalent.
He explained that the purpose of the concession exercise was to encourage investors in the port sector through Public Private Participation and to reduce cost of doing business at the ports.
He explained that the government approved the concession to create jobs and ensure user-friendly port services.
Bashar, however, said that the Federal Government had made efforts to address the negative impact of port concession by appointing the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in 2014 as the interim regulator.
He said that the NSC would establish effective regulatory regime to control tariffs, rates, charges and other related economics activities.
Assuring the stakeholders of efficient services at the ports, Mr Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of NSC, said that the council would address cumbersome cargo procedure, massive capital flight, leakages in revenue and inadequate information of port processes.
“Nigerian ports remain costly and uncompetitive, leading to continuous diversion of Nigerian cargo to ports in neigbouring countries,’’ he observed.
He said that the council, as the economic regulator, would abrogate some illegal costs at the ports and increase demurrage and storage free days.
He said the council had constituted quarterly meetings of customs area controllers and collaborated with the relevant agencies to clear the port access roads.
Bello said the council had also set a bench mark rate to discourage arbitrary charges and it had taken steps to ensure full automation of ports operations, vessel intelligence, cargo intelligence and risk management.
“We are working towards the enforcement of the publication of terminal operators rates as specified in the concession agreement in order to install healthy competition ,’’ he said.
This, notwithstanding, a maritime lawyer, Mr Osuala Nwagbara, opined that concession exercise was not a complete failure.
“There is no doubt that nearly10 years after the leasing of port infrastructure to private entrepreneurs in Nigeria, there had been remarkable improvement in port development and service efficiency.
“There have also been complaints by users of port services that concessionaires of Nigerian ports have not kept to the terms and conditions of the tripartite agreement between the concessionaires, Nigerian Ports Authority and Bureau of Public Enterprises,’’ he said.
Nwagbara said it was heartwarming that the role of the NSC as interim port regulator had been gazetted.
“We will look forward with zeal and great hope to invoke sanction against violations of the provisions of the lessee and the concession agreement in the port system.
Similarly, some concerned citizens hold the belief that port concession regime has encouraged increase in cargo throughput imports and exports from 44, 952 containers in 2005 to 1.2 million in 2014, while TAT had also increased.
They advise relevant authorities to address corruption and ensure that documentation processes at ports are internet technology-compliant.
According to them, the NSC, as economic regulator, must issue transparent and enforceable guidelines that will ensure the realisation and sustenance of the objectives of the port reforms.
By and large, Nwagbara advised that the NPA must perform its own obligations and monitor the concessionaires and other service providers with the enforcement of the concession agreement.
Cole writes for News Agency of Nigeria.

 

Aisha Cole

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NIMASA Marks 2025 Customer Week, Pledges Service Excellence 

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has officially launched its 2025 Customer Service Week celebrations under the inspiring global theme, “Mission: Possible.”
The Agency is leveraging this annual celebration to reaffirm its commitment to transforming customer challenges into opportunities and consistently delivering exceptional service to grow the Nigerian Maritime sector.
In his remarks, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that effective service delivery remains central to the Agency’s mandate, stressing that excellence must begin internally before extending to external stakeholders.
“Providing service is paramount, both internally and externally. We must remain prepared, committed, and available to solve problems together as a team. Excellence in service delivery defines who we are and what we represent,” . Mobereola stated.
He highlighted teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement as essential drivers of institutional growth and public confidence.
The Head, SERVICOM Unit, Hajiya Rakiyyah Lammai, appreciated the Director General for his continued support in strengthening customer service structures within NIMASA.
She noted that this year’s theme aptly reflects the dedication and resilience of the Agency’s staff in upholding service quality.
The 2025 Customer Service Week was commemorated across NIMASA offices nationwide with recognition programmes, engagement activities, and customer feedback sessions aimed at promoting a culture of responsiveness and efficiency.
As NIMASA continues to promote safety, security, and sustainability within Nigeria’s maritime domain, the 2025 Customer Service Week reinforces that service excellence remains the cornerstone of effective public service.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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SEME Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt Of Expired Flour, Seizes N2bn  Contraband 

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The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.
The Command Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who disclosed this during his Maiden Press Briefing, at the Seme Krake border, last Thursday, said the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General, Moji Adeyeye.
Displaying the seized goods, Adenuga said the flour, produced in March 2024, had expired in November, 2024, posing serious public health risk.
He said, “If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.”
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.
The figure, he said represent an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.
“This outstanding performance
reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Adenuga said the command guided by the Comptroller General of Customs commitment to transparency and modernization has intensified effort to simplify procedures and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated, ” he said.
Beyond the expired flour, Adenuga also showcased other contraband goods seized by the command within the month of September.
The items include 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa, 98 parcels of 120mg Tramadol, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of second-hand clothing and 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine and five used vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value at N1,999billion.
“Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs, ” Adenuga said.
The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base ( FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways.
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint, ” he said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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LASG UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING OMI-EKO PROJECT AT FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL 

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The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), will officially launch the Omi Eko Project on Friday, 17th October 2025, at Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo.
The unveiling, to be performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would feature key speakers and virtual project presentation.
According to a Statement, the event highlights the state’s dedication to advancing sustainable water transportation and smart city solutions.
 The project aims to transform Lagos’s water transit with over 78 electric ferries, digital systems, and enhanced safety features, reducing commute times and promoting eco-friendly travel.
“The Omi Eko Project is poised to revolutionize Lagos’s water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability..
“With the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project will significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.”the statement added.
The Five Cowries Terminal, a key transport hub, underscores the integration of land and water mobility in Lagos’s Urban Mobility Plan.e Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, for the maiden summit of JustAlive Communications Limited, publishers of JustNet News to discuss infrastructural development trends in the sector.
By: By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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