Lagos: The Nigerian Railway Corporation moved 66,110 tonnes of cargo from Lagos ports in the first quarter of 2025 across 55 trips. Mr Bolaji Sumola, Chairman, Nigeria Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos. He said that the movement of cargo through rail required more expansion to reach more locations in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sumola called for improved road and rail links to support 24-hour cargo evacuation. He suggested the introduction of structured three-shift systems with night allowances, adding that there was a need for the government to partner with health and safety experts to mitigate fatigue and hazards. He emphasized that port efficiency required collapsing overlapping mandates under a unified port operations command.
Sumola stated that this unification would enable the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and quarantine services to share data in real time. He stressed that Nigerian seaports must actualise 24-hour port operations to enhance efficiency and stop cargo diversion.
He urged the maritime industry to harness the energy of its large youth labour force with growing ICT skills for a smarter, greener, and more competitive 24-hour ports operation. He mentioned that the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and Tincan Island ports would involve the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated port infrastructure for improved vessel and cargo turnaround time.
Sumola noted that the electronic platform would reduce processing time, ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders, and enhance the ease of doing business at the ports. He added that the implementation of solar hybrid power at all ports would enhance reliability and increase cargo turnaround time.
He elaborated on the NPCC's phased, collaborative roadmap, which includes digitally transforming all ports, implementing and expanding the Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window to cover all terminals. Other strategies include the introduction of digital twins and predictive analytics for port logistics management, resulting in increased efficiency, cost reduction, improved safety, and sustainability.
Sumola advocated for investing in smart infrastructure and upgrading cranes, lighting, scanners, and control systems for night shifts. He highlighted the need for solar installations in Apapa, Tin Can, and Onne as pilot zones, and the importance of creating partnerships with clean energy investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
The NPCC chairman reaffirmed the council's commitment to the vision and invited all stakeholders, MDAs, terminal operators, energy providers, transport unions, and investors to join in executing the transformation.