NPA Seeks Regional Integration to Enhance Port Efficiency

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for deeper regional integration and cooperation among West and Central African countries to improve port efficiency, boost trade facilitation, and enhance the overall competitiveness of ports within the region. The Authority said such collaboration is essential to overcome common challenges affecting maritime logistics, infrastructure, and cargo movement, as well as to position the sub-region as a global maritime hub.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement session in Lagos, the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said regional integration is not just desirable but a necessity in light of global trade dynamics and the increasing demand for seamless port operations. He noted that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has made it even more crucial for African ports to collaborate in standardising procedures, developing joint infrastructure, and harmonising regulations to facilitate smoother trade flows across borders.

Bello-Koko stated that the NPA is already in discussions with port authorities in neighbouring countries, including Ghana, Benin, and Togo, to develop frameworks for shared intelligence, joint capacity building, and synchronised operations. According to him, “Our ports do not operate in isolation. The efficiency of one port often affects the performance of others within the same maritime corridor. We must therefore adopt a collective approach to address issues such as congestion, piracy, infrastructure deficits, and customs bottlenecks.”

He explained that regional cooperation could help Nigeria and other coastal nations maximise the potential of their ports by improving vessel turnaround times, standardising port charges, and enhancing connectivity between seaports and hinterlands. Bello-Koko said that NPA’s drive for regional collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which emphasises the creation of efficient trade corridors and improved logistics chains.

To this end, he disclosed that the NPA is engaging the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) to spearhead initiatives that promote uniformity in port processes and regulations. “Through the PMAWCA, we can share best practices, adopt digital solutions, and jointly invest in capacity-building projects that will enhance productivity across African ports,” he added.

Bello-Koko noted that the NPA has made significant strides in improving port operations within Nigeria through the deployment of technology, infrastructure upgrades, and automation systems. He cited the Authority’s recent adoption of the Electronic Call-Up System (ETO) for trucks as an example of how digital solutions can decongest ports and improve efficiency. “With these reforms, we have reduced the average waiting time for trucks from over 10 hours to less than three hours in some terminals,” he said.

The NPA boss further revealed that Nigeria’s ports have the potential to handle more cargo if properly integrated with those of neighbouring countries. He said regional integration would make it easier for Nigeria to serve as a transshipment hub for landlocked countries such as Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso, thereby generating additional revenue and strengthening economic ties.

He also urged governments within the region to prioritise infrastructure investment, particularly in rail and road connectivity linking seaports to industrial and commercial centres. “Without efficient intermodal transport systems, the ports will continue to experience bottlenecks,” Bello-Koko cautioned. “The integration of rail and road networks with ports will drastically cut down on logistics costs and make regional trade more competitive.”

Industry stakeholders present at the event, including representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), and various port operators, commended the NPA’s call for regional collaboration. They noted that a coordinated regional framework would make it easier to implement policies that encourage efficiency and discourage duplication of efforts.

Dr. Emmanuel Adesina, a maritime economist, stated that regional integration would help address inefficiencies that currently slow cargo movement in the Gulf of Guinea. “Ports in the region are operating below capacity due to policy inconsistencies and lack of harmonisation. If countries collaborate, it will attract more shipping lines and investment,” he said.

Adesina added that an integrated regional port network could reduce smuggling and revenue leakages through data sharing and cross-border monitoring. “With digital collaboration, customs and port authorities can jointly track cargo movement and ensure compliance with trade rules,” he explained.

Bello-Koko reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to adopting international best practices in port management. He disclosed that the NPA has begun implementing the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recommendations on sustainable port development, including the use of green energy and environmentally friendly equipment to reduce carbon emissions at terminals.

He also announced that the Authority is developing a Port Community System (PCS)—a single-window platform that will integrate all port stakeholders, including shipping lines, terminal operators, customs, and freight forwarders. The PCS, according to him, will enhance transparency, speed up documentation, and improve overall cargo clearance efficiency.

While emphasising the role of private investment, Bello-Koko said that the NPA will continue to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to fund major port projects. “Private sector participation is key to sustaining the modernization of our ports. The government alone cannot bear the full cost of port infrastructure,” he said.

The NPA boss further hinted that the Authority is working closely with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to streamline procedures that currently delay cargo release. He assured port users that the ongoing reforms will lead to reduced costs, improved service delivery, and a more competitive maritime industry.

He concluded that achieving efficiency in port operations requires collective effort from all stakeholders within the sub-region. “If we integrate our operations, standardise our systems, and jointly tackle security and infrastructure issues, West and Central African ports will become globally competitive,” Bello-Koko said.

Analysts believe that the NPA’s renewed call for regional integration could mark a turning point in the region’s maritime industry. With the ongoing reforms, increased use of technology, and commitment to collaboration, Nigeria’s ports are expected to play a central role in driving trade growth across the continent under the AfCFTA framework.