The National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, has called for Nigeria to focus on developing an efficient deep seaport capable of handling the country's cargo and transshipment business. According to Amiwero, the proliferation of seaports without adequate infrastructure and cargo destinations is contributing to inefficiencies in the nation's maritime sector. He made this statement during the unveiling of his achievement nomenclature on interventions in various national economic issues, organised to mark his 73rd birthday in Lagos.
Amiwero suggested the establishment of a committee of maritime experts to review the country's entire port system, including the Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Calabar Port. The review, he said, is necessary to address the challenges confronting the ports and develop a system that would enable Nigeria to compete effectively with other countries in the West and Central African sub-region. Amiwero also noted that Nigeria is losing transit and transshipment cargo to neighbouring countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Cote d'Ivoire.
Amiwero compared Nigeria's port system with that of Ghana, stating that the West African country has fewer ports but is attracting cargo due to efficiency. He mentioned that Ghana has only one major port, with another being a fish port, yet its throughput is higher than Nigeria's due to its efficient operations. Amiwero argued that Nigeria should concentrate on developing one major deep seaport that could serve as a transshipment and load centre, rather than establishing several ports that lack the infrastructure and cargo to operate efficiently.
The NCMDLCA president raised concerns about the infrastructure at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, particularly its rail connectivity and capacity to handle the largest container vessels. He also advocated for increased transshipment activities at Nigerian ports, saying the country would benefit economically from attracting mother vessels. Amiwero criticised what he described as political interference in port and customs operations, urging the government to ensure that the maritime sector is administered according to clear laws and professional standards.
Amiwero called for clarity on port concession and lease arrangements, particularly where agreements have expired. He stated that Nigeria must harmonise the activities of relevant stakeholders and develop a legally grounded framework for managing the country's ports. According to Amiwero, the concentration of cargo in Lagos is linked to the location of major manufacturing companies and markets, and simply developing ports in other parts of the country would not guarantee cargo unless there are industries and destinations to support them.
Amiwero's interventions in Nigeria's economic affairs over the years are documented in books unveiled at the event. The publications cover issues involving importers, licensed customs agents, manufacturers, government agencies, finance, budget, transport, trade, and investment, among others. Amiwero added that his interventions over the years are extensive and could not be fully captured in a few publications.
Amiwero concluded that Nigeria needs to engage professionals and maritime experts, rather than politicians, in addressing the challenges facing the port industry. He emphasised that the country's port system needs a thorough review and overhaul to enable it to compete effectively with other countries in the region. Amiwero's suggestions and criticisms highlight the need for a more efficient and effective port system in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigeria should focus on developing an efficient deep seaport capable of handling the country's cargo and transshipment business.
- The country's port system needs a thorough review and overhaul to enable it to compete effectively with other countries in the region.
- Political interference in port and customs operations should be minimised, and the maritime sector should be administered according to clear laws and professional standards.
