PORT EFFICIENCY IS NPCC’S PRIORITY, SAYS CHAIRMAN, SUNMOLA AT MAJAN ROUNDTABLE

By Ranmilowo Ojalumo

The Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola has said the efficiency, development sustainability of Nigeria’s port operations is the priority of the council

He also stated the readiness of the council to collaborate with the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) for greater performance and inclusivity. He made this known in a compelling address during MAJAN roundtable discussion at MAJAN World Press Center in Apapa, Lagos,

While speaking at the roundtable, Sunmola began by acknowledging the pivotal role of the NPCC, a decision-making body established before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, in overseeing port-related matters such as operations, safety, and environmental impact.

He emphasized the council’s mission to foster stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development in the port sector, noting that the NPCC has significantly expanded its scope to meet the growing needs of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The key activities of the council, according to Sunmola, include engaging with government agencies and maritime stakeholders to develop policies that enhance port governance and operations, advocating for the upgrading of port infrastructure with a focus on digitization, automation, and sustainability, capacity building through enhancement of stakeholders’ capabilities through workshops, training, and seminars as well as environmental stewardship aligning with international standards.

Sunmola pointed out that the council has put in place a strategic roadmap to reposition the NPCC for greater effectiveness. The roadmap according to him include realigning the internal structure of the council to ensure agility, transparency, and accountability, with specialized committees overseeing critical aspects of port operations.

Other part of the roadmap include digital transformation that focuses on implementing a “single window” system to streamline processes across the port ecosystem, significantly improving efficiency and transparency; as well as expansion of stakeholders’ collaboration by strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally to share critical information and align regulatory standards.

Addressing the vision of the council, Mr. Sunmola stressed the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and aligning regulatory standards to support the future growth and sustainability of Nigerian ports. He reiterated the council’s commitment to creating a collaborative platform where industry leaders, stakeholders, and local communities can drive innovation, dialogue, and economic expansion.

On global Competitiveness, the NPCC leader noted that, “NPCC is focused on transforming Nigerian ports into competitive entities on the global stage, capable of attracting international trade and investment”. He however stated that funding of the NPCC and securing adequate funding remains a critical challenge for NPCC.

On the challenges encountered by NPCC, Sunmola noted that despite the limited resources of the Council, it has made some successes.

“Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape requires balancing national policies with international maritime laws, which is often a slow and difficult process. Operational bottlenecks, such as minimal staffing and administrative resources, are major, hindrances to our ability to facilitate our ambitious interventions across board. The slow pace of digital transformation within the sector is a significant impediment to our vision of fully automated port operations which we are fully committed to” Sunmola emphasized.

He said, “As we reflect on the NPCC’s activities and our roadmap for the future, it is evident that collaboration, innovation, and sustainability are the cornerstones of our mission. As we address the challenges we face, leverage on our partnerships, and secure sustainable funding, we will ensure that NPCC remains a vital force in driving the advancement of Nigerian ports. Collaboratively, we can chart a future of growth, environmental responsibility, and global competitiveness for the Nigerian maritime sector”.

In her remark at the MAJAN roundtable discussion, Barrister Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, Vice Chairman of the NPCC, noted the only way Nigeria can maintain peace, growth and development is by inclusion. “It is the only way one can thrive globally. Inclusivity is key. It is the way out to maintain peace, growth and development. Our team is driving towards inclusion. This is the very first time NPCC is having a female as part of its executive members”, she said.

She noted that the presence of women in the executive of the Council is pointer to the gender balancing revolution in the new NPCC. “All these gender balancing align with the initiative of the presidency”she submitted,adding that the NPCC ,is very upright,and is blessed with a dynamic leader.

In his speech, Capt. Ihenacho Ebubeogu, a member of the council, extolled the importance of a Port Master Plan, which he noted is key to port development, efficiency and trade facilitation. He said if there was a Port Master Plan, congestions at the ports would not be there. He said the nation risks a replication of the Apapa gridlock at Lekki Deep Sea Port, if urgent measures are not taken. He said the port Master Plan would clearly define the port environment, adding that the port system is part of logistics.

He said the E- Call Up system or ETO is work in progress, adding that people should comply with the ETO, as it is aimed at reducing and regulating traffic into the port.

He also noted that barge operations should be encouraged to ease traffic in the port, adding that it will also reduce cost of moving cargo out of the port. He said if our waterways are safe, it will enhance Barging operations. He therefore urged government to make our waterways safe and also encourage barging operations

Capt Ebubeogu however frowned at what he called “Mile2 dilemma”. “Mile2 is a dilemma. Mile 2 is an eyesore. What is going on at that port access way constitutes hindrance to the success of ETO. “A major access point to the nation’s sea port should be rid of these hindrances “he stated.

Answering questions on why the concessionaires are yet to get renewal of their licenses, Sunmola attributed the delay to recent changes in Leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority, noting that the matter is being attended to at the appropriate quarters

Earlier in his opening remarks, the president of MAJAN, Mr Jerry Aguigbo expressed confidence in the Chairman of the Council, describing him as  “a perfect fit for the big shoes left behind by late Otunba Kunle Folarin”.

He said,” For the little time you’re going to spend with us here, we want to believe you would do a good job of letting us into your plans for the NPCC and by extension, the Nigerian port industry”

High point of the occasion was the presentation of plaque to the Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola.

The NPCC Chairman was accompanied to the Roundtable by Hajia  Jamilah Haladu, representing NPA, Baba Musa Dannasir- operations officer, Nigeria Shippers’ Council; Tokan Lawal Babatunde- operations officer NSC and Michael Kayode, P.A. to NPCC Chairman.

The MAJAN round table discussion provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue.