NNPC pushes for port digitalization to boost efficiency

The leadership of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC) has stated that full digitalization of the nation’s port industry, alongside the proposed Port Community System, will drive more efficient operations at Nigerian ports.

Speaking at the 5th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall meeting held in Lagos yesterday, Chairman of the Council, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola said that Nigeria’s seaports remain strategic gateways to the nation’s economy but that its potential remains largely underutilized due to inefficiencies rooted in infrastructural decay, bureaucratic delays, fragmented regulatory systems, and, most notably, limited operational hours.

Sunmola also said that modern seaports-Singapore, Rotterdam, Busan-are active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their uninterrupted activity allows for quicker vessel turnaround, optimized cargo flows, and synchronized hinterland logistics. Nigeria, by contrast, loses productive hours at night, resulting in ship discharge delays, and increased costs that are passed down to Nigerians.

Sunmola also said continuous operations, when scientifically engineered, do more than extend working hours-they redesign the flow of goods, harmonize inter-agency actions, and strengthen economic resilience.

Sunmola pointed out that leading global ports such as Singapore, Rotterdam, and Busan operate around the clock—24 hours a day, seven days a week—enabling faster vessel turnaround, smoother cargo movement, and better alignment with inland logistics. In contrast, Nigeria’s ports shut down at night, leading to lost productive hours, delayed ship discharges, and higher costs ultimately borne by consumers.

He added that adopting continuous, scientifically structured operations would not merely extend working hours but would transform the entire logistics chain—streamlining goods movement, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and bolstering economic resilience.

He said: “A 2023 NBER working paper highlighted that increasing port efficiency from the 25th to the 75th percentile globally can reduce shipping costs by as much as 12%. For Nigeria, this presents a compelling case: if we are to fully leverage our maritime advantages, we must operate on a 24-hour schedule, like many global port hubs.

“Ports like Rotterdam and Singapore leverage real-time digital platforms and Port Community Systems (PCS). These facilitate vessel scheduling, cargo tracking, customs clearance, and intermodal coordination. Nigeria’s National Single Window is promising in this regard and we hope that coverage and integration is seamless.

“While global ports have successfully introduced flexible, incentivized shift systems for round-the-clock operations-supported by safety tech and real-time performance tracking-Nigerian ports still grapple with rigid shifts and minimal night shift safety measures.

“Poor lighting, inadequate surveillance systems, and decaying access roads make night operations risky and inefficient. Safe 24-hour operations demand robust electrical grids, well-illuminated terminals, rail-link connectivity, and automated gate access.

“Ports that run 24 hours often operate under harmonized and digitized multi-agency frameworks. In Nigeria, regulatory duplication sometimes cause delays, higher transaction costs, and corruption opportunities.

“A key enabler of 24-hour port operation is uninterrupted, sustainable, and cost-effective power. Nigeria may not necessarily replicate energy-intensive, fossil-based models; instead, we can leapfrog into renewables and hybrid micro grids, tailored to our climate and capacity.

“Nigeria has excellent solar potential. Ports like Jurong (Singapore) and the Port of Los Angeles have rooftop solar systems powering key terminals. Locally, Nigerdock on Snake Island now offsets 40% of its daytime power using solar, cutting over 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. This option can be adopted by more stakeholders in Nigerian Ports.

“These combine solar, wind, and biofuel generators with battery storage to guarantee consistent power. Ports like Le Havre (France) and Antwerp (Belgium) integrate offshore wind farms for sustainable grid augmentation.

“Using lot sensors and Al-powered controllers, Ports can monitor, predict, and allocate energy consumption efficiently. This minimizes waste and ensures critical systems remain operational during power fluctuations or peak activity.

“Studies have shown that implementing solar hybrid systems in port facilities can lead to significant fuel cost savings and reduced downtime over time. For Nigeria, this translates into both financial savings and enhanced reliability.

“Improve road and rail links to support 24/7 cargo evacuation. According to recent reports, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) successfully transported 66,110 tons of cargo over 55 trips within a three-month period from Lagos ports. This requires expansion in scope to reach more locations in Nigeria.

“The quest to actualize 24-hour operations in Nigerian seaports is no longer aspirational-it is necessary. With a carefully sequenced strategy anchored on technology, sustainability, and stakeholder alignment, we can reposition our ports as efficient, secure, and economically transformative assets.”

SOURCE: sweetcrudereports.com