FG committed to Port Automation for optimal efficiency — Shippers Council

…Urges Lekki Port Mgt. to intensify  marketing strategy

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to automating operations within the port sector to ensure maximum efficiency.

Dr Akutah made this known during a courtesy visit to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, where he also encouraged the port’s management to step up its promotional efforts to better present the facility’s capabilities and Nigeria’s rising prominence as a logistics hub on the African continent.

According to him, the NSC is taking the lead in promoting automation as a central benchmark for improving service delivery and operational performance in the maritime industry.

He revealed that the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, a key part of the port reform process, is now approaching its final implementation phase. He added that the President has elevated the programme’s priority to ensure all key stakeholders are fully engaged.

Dr Akutah urged other service providers in the industry to digitise their systems in order to integrate smoothly with the NSW framework, which is expected to streamline cargo clearance and boost efficiency across the ports.

He referenced the Lekki Deep Sea Port’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) model as a major achievement, noting that it stands as an example of how strategic collaborations can support economic development and infrastructure growth.

The Executive Secretary used the occasion to invite both local and foreign investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime sector, assuring them of the Council’s commitment to fostering a business environment that is both stable and profitable.

He also praised the management of the Lekki Deep Sea Port for their progress so far, pointing to the facility’s potential to serve as a regional gateway and logistics hub for West Africa.

In response, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, expressed the port’s ongoing commitment to driving efficiency in operations to reduce costs for its users. 

He appealed for the Council’s continued support in helping the port realise its objectives and deliver on its promises to stakeholders.