By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has taken his step towards enhancing the potentials of the maritime sector further by holding a strategic meeting with the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The aim of the meeting was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up Nigerian ports, but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation.
Oyetola, in a post on his X verified handle on Tuesday, noted the importance of the meeting, which held in Abuja Monday, saying it centred on ways of enhancing Port efficiency for effective trade facilitation.
The post read: “I held a strategic meeting with the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Said Ahmed Alkali and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, we discussed enhancing Port efficiency for effective trade facilitation.
“The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.”
A joint statement issued by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigeria Customs Service, said the focal point of the discussions was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT), to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.
According to the statement signed by Ismail Omipidan, Media Aide to HM, Marine, and Blue Economy and Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs National Public Relations Officer NCS Headquarters, immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML.
Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.
The statement read in part: “The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.”
It said key resolutions were taken during the meeting.
The statement read further: “acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.
“Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML. Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged continued commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, a strategic move to alleviate congestion at major ports. Plans were unveiled for the efficient evacuation of containers from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisaged for Onne Port.
“Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development.”
It also noted that ghe collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment.
“The meeting advocated for exploring Public-Private Partnerships to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology. This collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes.
“The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment. The anticipated implementation of these resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness,” the statement read.