The Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Nigeria Limited, Ope Babalola has stated that his company has begun moves to partner Starlink owned by Elon Musk for increased port efficiency through using faster and reliable internet connectivity.
Babalola, who said this at the 4th JournalNG Town Hall meeting on Thursday, disclosed that efforts are being intensified to improve port users experience with the server of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
According to him, the company enjoys a cordial and robust relationship with the NCS and has always been committed in working for the success of the customs through revenue collection and prevention of losses.
While delivering a paper on the Port Community System (PCS), Babalola lauded President Bola Tinubu’s moves to establish a National Single Window (NSW) as a move that will benefit the country in numerous ways.
He added that the PCS can run under the single window conveniently targeting port users with a view to achieving better inclusion in the port environment.
Babalola also called on stakeholders to support the PCS initiative to boost port operations, even as he harped on regular town hall meetings that will aid trade facilitation and seamless cargo clearance.
While soliciting for balance of trade, the Webb Fortaine boss affirmed that exporters should be encouraged to facilitate trade through seamless operations for cargo movement.
“Nigeria has so much trade data but we are not using it. Therefore there should be seamless collaboration between NPA and Customs to promote the Port Community System.
“This town hall meeting should be regular to create more awareness about what it’s all about,” he remarked.
Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Mr. Lucky Amiwero called on the Customs IT service provider, Webb Fontaine to up the ante on its server for effective and smooth cargo clearance.
Amiwero, who is also President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), appealed to management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to capitalise on training and retraining of officers on cargo clearance procedures and clearance.
He also stressed the need for both Customs and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to collaborate as part of measures to promote seamless trade.
