In recent years, global logistics and port management have increasingly leaned towards automation to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. Nigerian ports, a crucial part of the country’s economy, are no exception. The push towards automation has been a focal point under the leadership of Barrister Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council.
**Port Automation and Economic Impact**
During a recent breakfast meeting organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos, Akutah announced that 90% of port processes in Nigeria have been automated. This significant achievement has brought about several positive changes in the sector, including increased revenue generation and reduced operational costs. The automation of port processes has facilitated smoother trade operations and attracted greater investment, thereby boosting Nigeria’s overall economic growth.
**Global Trends and Nigeria’s Adoption**
The trend towards port automation is not unique to Nigeria. The first automated container port was developed in Europe in the early 1990s. Since then, port managers worldwide have recognized the need for automation to remain competitive. Automated ports offer greater safety, predictability, and efficiency compared to conventional ones. They also generate vast amounts of data, which can be leveraged for better planning and decision-making.
In Nigeria, the automation journey gained significant traction in 2020 under the leadership of the former ES/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello. He emphasized the need for Nigerian ports to embrace automation to compete globally. The goal was to achieve 90% digitalization of port processes by the last quarter of 2020. Since then, notable progress has been made, with shipping companies and port terminals reaching high levels of digitization.
**Benefits of Automation**
Automation in Nigerian ports has led to several benefits, including:
1. **Increased Efficiency:** The automation of port processes has reduced the time taken for various operations. For example, the time to move a vessel from anchorage to berth has decreased from five hours to 90 minutes. Similarly, the daily examination of containers at some terminals has increased from 120 to over 230.
2. **Cost Reduction:** Automation has minimized human-related disruptions and reduced under-the-table costs associated with cargo clearance. This has made the port environment cleaner, more predictable, and transparent.
3. **Enhanced Revenue:** The use of advanced technologies and efficient monitoring systems has contributed to a robust increase in revenue generation, further solidifying Nigeria’s position in the global maritime space.
**Future Prospects**
As Nigeria continues to advance in port automation, there is a growing emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into port operations. Akutah’s commitment to ensuring no setbacks in the automation process is evident in his efforts to collaborate with various stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, and the Nigerian Customs Service. This collaboration aims to ensure seamless system integration and enhanced operational value.
In conclusion, Akutah’s drive towards port automation is setting a new standard for Nigeria’s maritime industry, positioning it for greater competitiveness and efficiency on the global stage. As the country inches closer to fully automated ports, the future looks promising for Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
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