Experts in the transport and logistics sector have charged the government to invest in the development and improvement of interconnectivity infrastructure as well as deploy technology to facilitate smooth transportation of goods to and from the ports and hinterlands.
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They gave the charge at the second yearly Transportation Technology Conference and Exhibition, held in Lagos with the theme: “Accelerating the Deployment of Technology for Smarter, Safer and Sustainable Transport System in Nigeria.”

The President/founder, African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Dr. Felicia Chinwe Mogo, said the government must improve and expand road, rail, and waterway infrastructure to connect major industrial and commercial centres to the ports.

Mogo, in her paper, titled: “Poor Interconnectivity to the Nation’s Port: Options for an Effective Logistics System in Nigeria,” said connectivity has been relevant since the creation of Nigeria’s first ports in the mid 19th centuries and the subsequent ones; which has led to the development of hinterland ports, dry ports as well as port concessioning and reforms in the country.

“The ports should be having good connections between other ports and the hinterland. The port also functions as an interchange between maritime modes of transport and it is essential to connectivity from the multimodal perspective,” she said.

Mogo said Dubai ranks in the top five for the world’s best shipping hubs according to The International Shipping Centre Development Index 2019 and sixth in the quality of road infrastructure and air transport efficiency by the Global Competitiveness Report 2019.

She said for Nigeria to adopt good interconnectivity, the government must ensure development, innovation, and promote the most safe, efficient and productive trade solution.

Mogo said in measuring port connectivity, government should also consider the transportation time and capacity of the maritime network as well as connectivity index and port key operating dimension.

Mogo also stressed on establishment of Inland Container Depots (ICDS) in strategic locations across the country to handle containerised cargo, which she said will help reduce congestion at the seaports and provide efficient cargo handling options for importers and exporters.

She also called for the promotion of the use of multiple modes of transportation, such as rail and waterways, for the movement of goods between ports and inland destinations to help alleviate the burden on road transportation and reduce congestion.
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Mogo also stressed the need to encourage private sector participation in logistics infrastructure development and operations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) or concessions, which she said can bring in expertise and investment, leading to improved efficiency and service quality.

She called for the simplification and digitisation of customs procedures to reduce delays and bureaucratic hurdles as well as implement an electronic single-window system that allows for seamless documentation and customs clearance processes.

“Work towards reducing trade barriers and promoting trade facilitation measures, such as harmonisation of customs procedures, mutual recognition of certifications, and simplified documentation requirements. This will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness as a trade hub and attract more shipping lines and international logistics providers.

“By implementing these options, Nigeria can significantly improve the interconnectivity to its ports, leading to a more efficient and effective logistics system in the country,” she said.

Also speaking, a Member of the United Nations Advisory Group on Trade and Transport Locations, Alban Igwe, said Nigerian must not be left behind as the world has embraced technology in their maritime logistics industry.

Igwe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer/Lead Consultant, Etcetera Consults, Limited, said while other industries are digitalising, one in 10 ships will be completely automated by 2030, according to the Global Maritime Technology Report.

“Smart ships will leverage ship digitalisation to optimise onboard and onshore operational processes. In less than 10 years, vessels are projected to sail autonomously, and so becoming smart is no longer just an option, but necessary to remain competitive in the shipping market and at capacity,” he said.

Igwe said due to globalisation, increasing shipping traffic will affect ports everywhere, adding that while other industries are digitalising, the ports will also need to digitalise to continue transport operations.

According to him, smart ports have an open innovation mindset and encompass big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, non-stop service, automation, internet of things, Digital twin, 5G technology and Greentech to enhance their operational efficiency, safety and sustainability.

He said smart ports recognise that they are part of an entire ecosystem and adopt technologies to help their business and reduce the impact on the environment.
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