As part of its readiness to transform the cargo clearance procedures at the nation’s seaports, the Federal Ministry of Transport has promised to explore the single window project to automate all the operational processes at the maritime sector.
Speaking in Lagos last week at this year’s World Maritime Day celebration, Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation said that the ministry is perfecting plans to ensure that processes such as vessel reception, cargo handling and clearance among others are automated.
This, if achieved, would go a long way in helping Nigerian importers and businesses to reduce the rate of avoidable charges that importers pay as demurrage to shipping companies and rent to terminal operators for not taking delivery of their consignment as when due. Also, automation of cargo clearance procedure would not only save time for importers but would also make Nigerian seaports become user friendly.
Amaechi, who stated that automation of operational process would help to reduce revenue leakages, noted that automating port processes is part of the action or means devised to address port challenges towards ensuring efficiency and cost effectiveness.
According to him, the nation’s maritime sector is faced with challenges that border on non-competitiveness, low investment, absence of funding, low implementation and enforcement of existing laws as well as high charges. “These have placed the country in disadvantaged position compared to ports of the neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.”
The Minister further disclosed that the Buhari-led administration would vigorously pursue the expansion of the port system through the development of private sector driven deep seaports. Just recently, the Federal Executive Council approved the construction of a deep seaport in Lekki by private investors to complement Ibaka and Badagry deep seaports.
While making known the fact that Nigeria has submitted itself for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) voluntary audit to ensure transparency and accountability, the minister also assured that transport sector reform bills currently before the National Assembly are receiving legislative consideration
“It is expected that the expeditious passage of the bills like Ports and Harbour Bill and the Transport Commission Bill, would give effect to the proposed reform aimed at strengthening the relevant maritime agencies for more effective performance,” the minister added.
He further assured stakeholders that government is committed to assisting genuine investors to access the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) in order to boost investment in shipbuilding and repairs. “The Federal Government investments in agriculture, mining, solid mineral and manufacturing would not bring about the required economic self reliance if the maritime sector remains a mere appendage in a foreign dominated shipping industry.”
“It is the movement of cargo that drives ocean transportation, therefore, we must protect and defend our cargo because it is our bargaining power with the service providers, more so because many developing countries do not have vessel and finance to compete favourably in the global market,” Amaechi added.
