Nigerian seaports have geared up for the implementation of the second phase for the integration of the Port Community System (PCS) is expected to ensure the digitalisation of processes at the seaports globally so as to improve efficiency and boost security.
The IMO team of experts for the implementation of the second phase of the technical assistance by the IMO for the implementation of the Port Community System in Nigeria disclosed this on Wednesday during a visit to the management of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Gadi Benmoshe who lead the team sought the corporation of the Nigerian Ports Authority while emphasising the need for synergy and inter-port and inter-country information sharing to the success of the initiative.
He noted that the PCS is geared at ensuring transparent and seamless port operation while boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness among maritime nations.
In her response, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olotu, the Port Manager applauded the initiative but urged the team to be fair in their assessment of Nigeria.
According to her, there is need to shun “preconceived reputation biases against Nigerian ports” in the discharge of its duty while working with the facts and figures provided.
The Port Manager mentioned the multi-modal means of cargo evacuation, the electronic call up system for trucks, the Minimum Safety Standard (MSS) for trucks using the port as well as collaborative efforts with the Customs, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Port Health for Boarding Vessels as some of the processes that fall within the scope of PCS.
TNMN reports that the PCS is to globally house Ports’ charateristics, supply chain processes available in those ports, digital solutions as well as the IT structure and cybersecurity infrastructure adopted by those ports.