Andrew Utulu
The Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Lawal Ibrahim has declared that 24-hour ports operations across the country would enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Lawal made this assertion, while delivering a paper titled “Bridging the Gap to Actualise 24-hour Port Operations in Nigeria: A Strategic and Sustainable Pathway” at the 5th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting in Apapa, Lagos.
He noted that the NPA plays a pivotal role in facilitating maritime trade in Nigeria.
According to him, the NPA had continuously made efforts to ensure its operations are efficient, responsive, and technology-driven to align with international best practices and improve national competitiveness.
“One key aspect of this commitment is the operation of 24-hour Port services, particularly in areas crucial to Vessel Handling, Cargo Movement, and Port Access Control,” he said, in addition with focus on current practices, infrastructural developments, and ongoing initiatives to bridge identified gaps.
On the existing 24-hour operations at Nigerian Ports, he disclosed that the NPA currently runs several core services on a 24-hour basis, especially in Lagos Ports.
The Port Manager, however, noted that certain conditions like security concerns may not allow NPA to discharge its duties in all port locations.
Lawal highlighted the 7 services, including Pilot Services, Marine Services, Vessel Traffic Management and Control, Exit Gate Operations, Automated Billing System, Electronic Call-Up System and Port Community System (PCS).
With reference to Pilotage Services, he mentioned that NPA operates on a 24-hour basis at all Pilotage Districts, noting that it ensures continuous vessel movement, day and night, including berthing and sailing.
The maritime expert explained that the pilots are on rotational shifts to support uninterrupted operations, which is a cornerstone of port efficiency and safety.
As regards Marine Services, Lawal stated that they are services such as towage, mooring, and tug assistance, which are active round-the-clock.
These services, he said, are critical for safe navigation and are manned in shifts to guarantee constant availability.
On Vessel Traffic Management and Control, the Lagos Port Complex boss mentioned that with the support of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) infrastructure and personnel, vessel movement is monitored 24/7, ensuring that port waters are adequately managed to prevent congestion and collisions.
In relation to Exit Gate Operations, he revealed that at Lagos Ports Complex (LPC) and Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), the exit gates remain operational 24/7, facilitating truck ingress and egress at all hours.
Lawal affirmed that this development has improved the evacuation of cargo and reduced turnaround time for trucks.
He emphasised that the NPA’s Automated Billing System allows customers to make payments online without physical presence.
The Port Manager further explained that the system enhances efficiency and allows for near real-time processing of vessel-related invoices, which is essential for continuous port operations.
Similarly, he described the Electronic Call-Up System as a traffic management system that ensures real-time scheduling of cargo trucks, enhancing traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks within the port corridor.
However, he said that the NPA is actively working towards implementing the Port Community System (PCS), a unified digital platform that will integrate all port stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies.
Lawal stressed that when fully deployed, PCS will significantly enhance the coordination of 24-hour operations by allowing seamless data exchange and real-time visibility of port processes.
He equally highlighted the next strategic steps to consolidate and expand 24-hour operations across all Nigerian ports, including Enhanced Maritime Security through partnership with NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and leveraging the Deep Blue Project and 24-Hour Customs Availability, ensuring that clearance and cargo documentation are processed without interruption.
Others are Infrastructure Upgrade, including installation of proper lighting at critical access points and Digital Transformation, with PCS and remote payment authentication as key enablers.
Speaking further, he acknowledged that the NPA has made substantial progress in establishing 24-hour port operations, through sustained investments in marine services, pilotage, traffic management, and digital systems.
While affirming that Lagos ports already operate most functions round-the-clock, he noted that full realisation of 24-hour operations at the Eastern Ports, hinges on resolving security challenges and increasing marine assets.
He added: “The full implementation of the Port Community System, coupled with stronger inter-agency collaboration, will position NPA to deliver on ministerial targets and significantly boost Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.”
