Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko has said the planned port community system (PCS)by the authority is also geared towards supporting the nation’s economy to harvest more benefits from the blue economy.
Bello-Koko who said this in London where he is attending the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly, described the initiative as a game changer that will integrate all stakeholders within the maritime sector, promote national economy and support security of vessels, crew members and cargoes within the Nigerian maritime domain.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve the port automation and necessary integration ahead of the IMO 2025 deadline set for member countries
The NPA MD who is on the entourage of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, added that the PCS will foster transparency, support ease of doing business and trade facilitation.
He explained some steps taken by the authority to set the PCS in motion ahead of the 2025 IMO deadline to include development of automation-based processes. In time past, before the introduction of e-sen, (Electronic Ship Entry Notice), it takes about two weeks from the time of application to the time of approval and issuance of the ship entry notice certification.