Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, on Tuesday, formally received the report for the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) in Nigeria in a move to enhance the ease of doing business in the nation’s ports.
The PCS initiative aligns with the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and its objectives include preventing unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, enhancing cooperation between governments, and ensuring uniformity in formalities and procedures.
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Speaking in Abuja after receiving the report, Oyetola said its implementation was a key performance indicator given to his ministry by President Bola Tinubu under the Presidential Performance Bond signed by ministers.
He said the adoption of the initiative would position Nigeria to benefit from global trade opportunities.
The minister commended the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for their foresight in seeking technical guidance from the IMO in the development of the port community system report.
While assuring of playing a leading role in achieving the objectives of the initiative, Oyetola urged the NPA to expedite the procurement process for appointing a company to deploy the PCS.
He also told the NPA to seek ministerial intervention where necessary, particularly in areas outside their jurisdiction, such as linkages with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies. He commended the team from IMO, project consultants, and the International Port Community Systems Association for their professionalism and dedication in coming up with the PCS report.
Also speaking, Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of NPA, said automation remains the most sustainable path to make ports in Nigeria more efficient and competitive.
He said the implementation of the PCS would eliminate all forms of human interface and attendant delays that undermine port efficiency.
Bello-Koko, who described the implementation of the PCS as a matter of national importance, assured the Minister that the NPA would ensure the diligence, determination, and discipline required to implement the initiative a reality.
Earlier, the NPA boss said they recently sought and secured the buy-in of Adewale Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service for the implementation of the port community system.
These developments, he believed, signpost better days ahead for ease of doing business and trade facilitation in Nigeria.
