By Seun Ibiyemi
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to achieving 24-hour port operations in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 5th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting in Lagos, with the theme “Bridging the Gaps to Actualise 24-Hour Port Operations,” Dantsoho outlined several initiatives designed to modernise the nation’s ports and ensure round-the-clock operations.
He revealed that part of the strategy involves the implementation of a Port Community System (PCS), which aims to align Nigerian ports with international best practices while also enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
Dantsoho added that key port services, including pilotage, marine operations, vessel traffic management, and exit gate access, have already begun operating 24 hours a day at the Lagos Ports Complex, Lekki Port, and Tin Can Island Port. These services are managed through rotational shifts for pilots and marine crews, alongside an automated billing system integrated into the Eto electronic call-up system, which facilitates truck scheduling and cargo movement.
The NPA MD also revealed that a unified digital platform is being developed to integrate all port stakeholders, ensuring seamless data exchange and real-time process visibility. Once fully deployed, this platform is expected to further improve the efficiency of the planned 24-hour operations.
Represented by Lawal Ibrahim, the Port Manager of Lagos Ports Complex, Dantsoho expressed the NPA’s ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the police to enhance maritime security and ensure safe movement for port personnel and truck drivers.