NICo Arthur GE, and ED, Operations, NPA, Engr. Lekan Badmus during the presentation of the PCS report, on Tuesday, in Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officially received the report for the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) in Nigeria on Tuesday. This initiative aims to streamline operations in the country’s ports, ultimately enhancing the ease of doing business and positioning Nigeria for increased benefits in global trade.
The PCS implementation aligns with the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its objectives include preventing unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, fostering cooperation between governments, and ensuring uniformity in formalities and procedures.
During the event held in Abuja, Minister Oyetola highlighted the significance of the PCS in fulfilling the overarching objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included the implementation of the Port Community System as a Key Performance Indicator for the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Presidential Performance Bond.
“Realizing the importance of the implementation of the PCS on the fulfilment of the overarching objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR included the implementation of the Port Community System as a Key Performance Indicator for the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Presidential Performance Bond I signed as a Minister,” Minister Oyetola stated.
He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) management for seeking technical guidance from the International Maritime Organization in developing the PCS report. The Minister emphasized his commitment to playing a leading role in achieving the PCS objectives.
Minister Oyetola urged the NPA to expedite the procurement process for appointing a company to deploy the PCS, emphasizing the need for ministerial intervention where necessary, particularly in areas outside the NPA’s jurisdiction, such as linkages with the Nigerian Customs Service and other relevant agencies.
He praised the professionalism and dedication of the team from the International Maritime Organization, project consultants, and the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) in creating the PCS report.
The Managing Director/CEO of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, also emphasized the importance of automation in making Nigerian ports more efficient and competitive. He assured the Minister that NPA would diligently work towards the implementation of the PCS, eliminating human interfaces and associated delays in port operations.
The recent buy-in from the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs, Mr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, further signifies positive developments for ease of doing business and trade facilitation in Nigeria.