Nigeria Customs, Marine and Blue Economy Ministry Partner to Boost Port Operations
Elizabeth Christopher
Nigeria Customs Service NCS is set to collaborate with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to decongest ports, enhance trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness in the sector.
This was the outcome of a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing port efficiency for effective trade facilitation.
A press release jointly signed by Ismail Omipidan, the Media Aide to the Minister, Marine, and Blue Economy and Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer NCS, said the collaboration was “a significant milestone for Nigeria’s maritime landscape”
” The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.
“Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods”
At the meeting, plans were unveiled for efficient container evacuation to various destinations.
“Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML. Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections”
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged continued commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, a strategic move to alleviate congestion at major ports.
Plans were unveiled for the efficient evacuation of containers from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisaged for Onne Port.
They agreed to partner with relevant stakeholders needed for Scanning Installation and Maintenance of the its facilities.
“Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development”
” The meeting advocated for exploring Public-Private Partnerships to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology. This collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes.”
“The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment.”
Comments are closed.