Nigeria needs efficient deep seaport, Customs agents say

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents has urged Nigeria's Federal Government to prioritize the development of a single, efficient deep seaport to handle the country's cargo and transshipment business, according to a report by Punch. NCMDLCA President Lucky Amiwero emphasized during an event marking his 73rd birthday in Lagos that the proliferation of seaports without proper infrastructure and destinations is contributing to inefficiencies in Nigeria's maritime sector.

He called for a committee of maritime experts to review the entire port system, which includes the Lagos Port Complex, Tincan Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Calabar Port, with the aim of redesigning the port system to enable Nigeria to compete effectively with other countries in the West and Central African sub-region. Amiwero highlighted that Nigeria is losing transit and transshipment cargo to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Cote d'Ivoire due to inefficiencies in its port system.

He pointed out that while Nigeria has a significant share of cargo within the West and Central African sub-region, it is not benefiting adequately because of these inefficiencies. Comparing Nigeria's port system with that of Ghana, Amiwero noted that Ghana, with fewer ports, is attracting more cargo due to 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 several ports that lack the necessary infrastructure and cargo to operate effectively.

He also criticized the lack of rail connectivity and the capacity to handle the largest container vessels at the Lekki Deep Seaport. Amiwero advocated for engaging maritime professionals instead of politicians to address the challenges facing the port industry and ensure that the maritime sector is administered according to clear laws and professional standards.

He called for clarity on port concession and lease arrangements and urged the harmonization of the activities of relevant stakeholders to develop a legally grounded framework for managing the country's ports.