Nigeria needs efficient deep seaport, Customs agents say

Experts in Nigeria's Customs Agents' community have urged the federal government to prioritize the construction of a single, efficient deep seaport to enhance cargo handling and transshipment business. According to the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, having too many seaports without proper infrastructure and destinations is hampering the maritime sector's efficiency.

Amiwero called for a committee of maritime experts to review the entire port system, including ports like the Lagos Port Complex, Tincan Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Calabar Port, with the aim of redesigning the system to enable Nigeria to compete effectively with other West and Central African countries.

Amiwero highlighted that Nigeria is losing valuable transit and transshipment cargo to neighboring countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Côte d'Ivoire due to inefficiencies in the port system. He pointed out that Nigeria has nearly 78% of the cargo within the West and Central African sub-region but is not reaping the full economic benefits because of the inefficient port system.

Comparing Nigeria's port system with that of Ghana, Amiwero noted that Ghana, despite having fewer ports, attracts more cargo because of its efficiency. He argued that Nigeria should focus on developing one major deep seaport that can serve as a transshipment and load center, rather than establishing multiple ports that lack the necessary infrastructure and cargo to operate effectively.

Concerns were also raised about the infrastructure at the Lekki Deep Seaport, specifically its rail connectivity and ability to handle the largest container vessels. Amiwero emphasized the need to engage professionals and maritime experts, rather than politicians, in addressing the challenges facing the port industry. He advocated for increased transshipment activities at Nigerian ports, stating that the country would benefit economically from attracting mother vessels.

The NCMDLCA president also criticized political interference in port and customs operations, urging the government to administer the maritime sector according to clear laws and professional standards.