Managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the authority is at conclusive stage of the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS).
He stated this at the 2024 edition of World Maritime Day themed, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First,’ held in Lagos.
According to the NPA boss, the PCS will sets the pace for the operationalization of the National Single Window Project of the federal government.
Dantsoho who was represented by the executive director, Engineering & Technical Services, Engr. Ibrahim Umar, said the maritime sector is not just pivotal to national economic prosperity, but to global economic sustainability.
“Realising that automation is the linchpin of port efficiency, the Nigerian Ports is at conclusive stages of the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), which actually sets the pace for the operationalization of the National Single Window Project of the federal government.
“This is in addition to the comprehensive modernization of Ports infrastructure and equipment to enhance competitiveness. Indeed, making global port operations healthier, safer and more secure whilst actualizing the other noble objectives of the World Ports Sustainability Program rests heavily on our shoulders as policy framers, investors and stakeholders in its broadest ramification.
“I have said all of these to establish the irrefutable fact that the maritime sector is not just pivotal to national economic prosperity, but to global economic sustainability. I have said all of this to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership and guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola to the maximization of the opportunities inherent in our maritime endowments for the benefit of the good people of Nigeria and the larger world,” he pointed out.
On his part, the director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola said, stakeholders should renew dedication to safety, innovation and responsible stewardship of the marine environment.
Mobereola while speaking, said challenges in the Maritime sector provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry.
To him, “there are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry. Rapid technological advancements, environmental concerns, sustainability, and evolving global trade are some issues affecting the industry.
“While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety an important priority. In this regard, we must invest in cutting-edge safety technologies, enhance training and capacity building for our maritime workforce, strengthen our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“We need to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to address the increasingly complex regime due to emerging technologies. Your involvement is crucial in this process. Furthermore, let us renew our dedication to safety, innovation, and responsible stewardship of our marine environment. This commitment is not just a goal, but a promise that we will uphold.”
The chairman of Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Wasiu Sanni, said safety is an imperative that requires national responds, adding that, the National Assembly is committed to policies that would drive safe operations in nation’s maritime sector, urging the agencies in the sector to ensure compliance to international safety conventions.
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