A maritime group under the auspices of Sea Empowerment Research has urged the federal government to encourage diversification of port operations by developing new terminals, warehouses, and logistics facilities.
In a document sent to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the head of the group, Mr. Eugene Nweke, stated the move would boost cargo throughput and revenue generation.
He also harped on the need for the government to consider private sector participation in the rehabilitation and operations of the ports through public-private partnerships or concessions to bring in much-needed investment, expertise, and efficiency.
“Encourage diversification of port operations, such as the development of new terminals, warehouses, and logistics facilities, to increase cargo throughput and revenue generation. Consider private sector participation in the rehabilitation and operation of the ports, through public-private partnerships or concessions, to bring in much-needed investment, expertise, and efficiency,” he said.
Nweke, who is also a former president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, emphasised the need for the government to review and update the regulatory framework governing port operations to ensure that it is conducive to efficient and effective port management and encourages investment and growth.
“Establish a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the rehabilitation efforts are successful and sustainable,” Nweke advised.
While lamenting low cargo throughput, ship calls to the port, port congestion, revenue generation, poor berth production, ship turnaround time, and general port efficiency concerns, Nweke advised the government to conduct a thorough analysis of the current situation, to identify the root causes of the problems, and to develop effective solutions.
“Develop a short-term plan to address the immediate concerns, such as congestion and poor berth production, while the rehabilitation works are ongoing. Engage with shipping lines and cargo owners to understand their concerns and needs, and work with them to develop solutions that can improve the efficiency and attractiveness of the ports. Invest in marketing and promotion efforts to attract new cargo and shipping lines to the ports and to improve the overall image and reputation of the ports,” he advised.
According to him, in the course of the rehabilitation implementation process, the government should mandate and encourage the Nigeria Port Authority to ensure that the private terminal operators are investing in the right and prioritised cargo handling equipment so as to add impetus to efficiency and port costs.
“Expectedly, the economic industry regulator and the port authority should equally be mandated to seriously drive the desirous option of evolving and integrating port efficiency and competition,” he concluded.
