Over 90% Of Port Processes and Operations are now Automated – Barr. Akutah.
Over 90% Of Port Processes and Operations are now Automated - Barr. Akutah.
By Ruth Sunday
NSC Collaborates with USAID,BA To Tackle Challenges Faced by Cross Border Traders.
By Ruth Sunday
In consonance wth government aspirations, the Nigerian Shippers Council(NSC), says it has continued to promote and advocate the digitalization of Nigerian port process and operations.
The Council says over ninety (90%) of port processes and Operations are now automated reducing considerably human interactions and all its negative attributes.
The Executive Secretary/CEO, NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah.. who stated this during MARAN’s breakfast meeting on the theme: Trade Facilitation and President Tinubu Economic Agenda”. in Apapa remarked that ,
“It is not longer news that the Dala, Funtua and Kaduna Inland Dry Ports in Kano, Kats’na and Kaduna states respectively are Operational, having been commissioned and designated as port of orig’n and final destination for inward and outward cargo respectively. The sh’pp’ng community in these inland locations are a ready tak’ng the benefits of these facilities in the conduct of their businesses”.
Speaking through the Assistant Director Consumer Affairs Department, Ogbonnaya Austna, the Shippers’ Council said the President’s directives that immediate steps be taken to complete and commission the remaining legacy IDP projects are pursued with vigor.
He added that similarly, efforts are being geared to the development of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) across the country to facilitate the safety and security of cargo in transit.
Furthermore, Barr. Akutah disclosed that the Council will be establishing Border Information Centres (BICs) to ameliorate the challenges faced by cross border traders at land border posts in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Borderless Alliance (BA).
“Four (4) BICs have been established at:
1. Seme-Krake border between Nigeria and Benin Republic 2. Jibia — Marradi border between Nigeria and Niger
3. Mfum-Ekot border between Nigeria and Cameroon 4, Illela-Bimin Koni border between Nigeria and Niger
Two (2) more BICs shall be established under the Council’s current strategic plan. Plans have reached advanced stages with regard to the establishment of a BIC at the Idiroko Border Post.”
“BICs are veritab e facil’ties for gathering data on cross border trade for policy making as well as providing trade facilitating information to cross border stakeholders.”
“We will continue to promote and support establishment of port and transport infrastructure in order to facilitate both domestic and international trade”, he opened.
He assured that the Council will continue to partner with MARAN on trade Facilitation and other related activities.
