Poor port infrastructure and slack security along port access roads are threatening more than N7.5 trillion import and export cargoes and 24- hour port operations at the Tincan island Port.

Annually, the port processes over N3.5 trillion export goods and N4 trillion import goods.

It was learnt that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Port Command, was given a revenue target of N1.40 trillion for 2024 out which it has earned N627 billion as of July 12, 2024.

According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in Q1 2024, the service processed 251,679.89 metric tonnes exports valued at ₦708.82 billion at Tincan island Port.

Despite this, NCS said there was an urgent need to improve the present port infrastructure and enhance security along the port corridor.

According to its Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the measures were essential to drive the night port operations at the nation’s ports, lamenting that poor port infrastructure and slack security along port access roads had greatly hobbled the much- desired 24- hour port operations.

Nnadi noted that night operation was slowed down due to security and logistical challenges, noting that the move to begin night operations at the port was driven by necessity but said many factors affected the operations.

He said: “This year, we needed a different approach to tackle ongoing issues, particularly security concerns.

The longstanding problem of the port access road’s inaccessibility, which has hindered efficient movement for over a decade.

“For over 10 years, the port access road has been almost impassable, making movements across the corridors of the port extremely difficult. Stakeholders became vulnerable to attacks during their commute.

People driving to and from work faced constant threats. I proposed reviving the movement of goods through the waterways to alleviate road congestion.

While we saw some success, the port remained congested.” Upon returning as the Area Comptroller, Nnadi said he observed that congestion issues persisted, undermining service delivery and operational efficiency.

He added that with my colleague, Tin Can Port Manager, Mr. Steve Egede, they engaged in multiple meetings with management and received crucial support from the Nigerian Police, saying that efforts to create public awareness about the dire state of the port access road were initiated.

According to him, “I personally made calls and encouraged media coverage to highlight the need to decongest this road. The media played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue.

These collaborative efforts eventually led to a significant breakthrough. The road was finally cleared. We celebrated this achievement with our stakeholders, who were now assured of a safer commute.

To capitalise on this development, the port extended its operational hours. “We began by scanning containers overnight, a move that was well-received by stakeholders.

We then expanded these operations to include physical examinations and other services.” Nnadi, however, underscored the importance of infrastructure and security in sustaining night operations.

According to him, “to make night operations viable, we need to light up the port and its corridors and ensure robust security measures.

These steps are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations.” The comptroller further provided clarity on the slow pace of night operations, emphasising them as a strategic response to long-standing challenges rather than a temporary measure.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, at a one-day stakeholders workshop, organised by the ministry and Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) on port economic regulation and its impact on shipment of export commodities through Nigerian ports has said that ability to efficiently export the Nigerian commodities was crucial for economic growth and international competitiveness.

He explained that the smooth flow of exports heavily relies on ports functioning at their optimal capacity. He noted:

“The high cost of cargo movement can be attributed to various factors including inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate transportation and storage infrastructure, long delays and congestion at the ports, high fuel costs, and inadequate competition in the transport sector.”