Nigerian seaports to be fully digitalized by 2025 — Bello-Koko

The Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, has stated that deliberate measures and investments are being undertaken by the authority to create a fully digital ecosystem in all the country’s port locations by 2025. He made the revelation in a presentation on ‘Digitalization Roadmap and Current Information and Communications Technology […]

The Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, has stated that deliberate measures and investments are being undertaken by the authority to create a fully digital ecosystem in all the country’s port locations by 2025.

He made the revelation in a presentation on ‘Digitalization Roadmap and Current Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Implementation Status’ at the 41st Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) Annual Council Meeting and 16th Round-table Conference of Managing Directors of PMAWCA, in Douala, Cameroon.

Bello-Koko said a lot of work has gone into the smart port transformation agenda of the authority, aimed at the enthronement of paperless, time-saving and cost-efficient port operations.

The NPA helmsman, who was represented by the Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Prof Idris Abubakar, said the adoption of a phased ICT deployment is geared towards achieving a fully integrated port operating system to foster relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, to streamline NPA’s internal business processes, make use of high-end smart technologies as well as record, monitor and utilize data for better decision making.

A five-year plan is now being implemented by the authority for the attainment of a fully digitalised port system in Nigeria.

In his welcome message, President of PMAWCA and Director General of Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Michael Luguje said: “The impact of COVID-19 cannot be swept under the carpet so easily.

“Countries are now rebuilding again after many years of economic progress have been wiped off. As leaders in the maritime field entrusted with the responsibilities of facilitating trade and economic progress for our respective countries, we are here to have serious discussions on how we can continue to adjust in the face of this unwavering virus and how to plan and operate our ports to meet future challenges. 

“The main aim is to explore diverse ways of using less to achieve more through the use of smart technologies.”