NPCC Chairman Bolaji Sunmola Outlines Vision for Sustainable Port Development At MAJAN Round Table
... Seeks collaboration with MAJAN
... Says inadequate funding, critical challenge for NPCC
By: Bisi Akingbade
In a compelling address at the Maritime Journalists' Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, World Press Center in Apapa, Lagos, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, NPCC, highlighted the council’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s port operations,even as he sought collaboration with MAJAN for greater performance and inclusivity.
Mr. Sunmola began by acknowledging the pivotal role of the NPCC, a decision-making body established before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, in overseeing port-related matters such as operations, safety, and environmental impact.
He emphasized the council’s mission to foster stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development in the port sector.
Mr Sunmola noted that the NPCC has significantly expanded its scope to meet the growing needs of Nigeria’s maritime sector. He outlined several key activities:
Policy Advocacy: Engaging with government agencies and maritime stakeholders to develop policies that enhance port governance and operations.
Infrastructure Development: Advocating for the upgrading of port infrastructure with a focus on digitization, automation, and sustainability.
Capacity Building: Enhancing stakeholder capabilities through workshops, training, and seminars.
Environmental Stewardship: Ensuring ports operate with minimal environmental impact, aligning with international standards.
Strategic Roadmap for the Future
Mr. Sunmola presented a strategic roadmap to reposition the NPCC for greater effectiveness:
Organizational Realignment: Realigning the internal structure to ensure agility, transparency, and accountability, with specialized committees overseeing critical aspects of port operations.
Digital Transformation: Implementing a “single window” system to streamline processes across the port ecosystem, significantly improving efficiency and transparency.
Expanding Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally to share critical information and align regulatory standards.
Challenges and Vision
Addressing the challenges faced by the NPCC, Mr. Sunmola stressed the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and aligning regulatory standards to support the future growth and sustainability of Nigerian ports. He reiterated the council’s commitment to creating a collaborative platform where industry leaders, stakeholders, and local communities can drive innovation, dialogue, and economic expansion.
On global Competitiveness:, the NPCC leader noted that ,"NPCC is focused on transforming Nigerian ports into competitive entities on the global stage, capable of attracting
international trade and investment"
He however stated that funding of the NPCC and securing adequate funding remains a critical challenge for NPCC. To address this.
"We are exploring several options,adding that inadequate funding and limited financial resources restrict,"Our ability to execute large-scale initiatives. This underscores the need for more sustainable revenue streams" he stressed.
He said the PCC plans to engage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):" We aim to leverage PPPs for major infrastructure projects, thus relieving the burden on government resources"
On Consultancy and Advisory Services: Sunmola affirmed," By offering our expertise to other maritime organizations, we hope to generate additional revenue to fund Our activities," adding that the PCC is also engaging in
Capacity Building Programs.
" We are designing specialized training programs for port operators and stakeholders to raise revenue while enhancing the skills of the workforce."
On the challenges encountered by NPCC, Sunmola noted that despite the limited resources of the Council, it has made some successes, despite several ongoing challenges faced by it.
Other challenges he noted includes regulatory complexity, His words," Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape requires balancing national policies with international maritime laws, which is often a slow and difficult process"
He added that operational bottlenecks, such as minimal staffing and administrative resources, are major "hindrances to our ability to facilitate our ambitious interventions across board."
"The slow pace of digital transformation within the sector is a significant impediment to our vision of fully automated port operations which we are fully committed to" Sunmola emphasized.
He opined that collaboration with stakeholders remains a major tonic to advance the objectives of the Council
"As we reflect on the NPCC’s activities and our roadmap for the future, it is evident that collaboration, innovation, and sustainability are the cornerstones of our mission. As we address the challenges we face, leverage on our partnerships, and secure sustainable funding, we will ensure that NPCC remains a vital force in driving the advancement of Nigerian ports. Collaboratively, we can chart a future of growth, environmental responsibility, and global competitiveness for the Nigerian maritime sector."
Speaking, Barrister Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, Vice Chairman of the NPCC, noted the imperative of inclusivity in the running of the new NPCC .
She said, “The only way Nigeria can maintain peace, growth and development is by inclusion. It is the only way one can thrive globally. Inclusivity is key. It is the way out to maintain peace, growth and development. Our team is driving towards inclusion. This is the very first time NPCC is having a female as part of its executive members."
She noted that the presence of women in the executive of the Council is pointer to the gender balancing revolution in the new NPCC . "All these gender balancing align with the initiative of the presidency” adding that the NPCC ,is very upright,and is blessed with a dynamic leader.
In his speech, Capt.Ihenacho Ebubeogu, a member of the NPCC, extolled the importance of a Port Master Plan, which he noted is key to port development, efficiency and trade facilitation. He said if there was a Port Master Plan,congestions at the ports would not be there. He said the nation risks a replication of the Apapa gridlock at Lekki Deep Sea Port, if urgent measures are not taken. He said the port Master Plan would clearly define the port environment, adding that the port system is part of logistics.
Ebubeogu said the E- Call Up system or ETO is work in progress, adding that people should comply with the ETO, as it is aimed at reducing and regulating traffic into the port.
He said Barging operations should be encouraged to ease traffic in the port, and also reduce cost of moving cargo out of the port.
According to him "If our waterways are safe, it will enhance Barging operations", and therefore urged government to make our waterways safe and also encourage barging operations.
Capt Ebubeogu frowned at what he called "Mile2 dilemma".
"Mile 2 is a dilemma.Mile 2 is an eye- sour .What is going on on that port access way constitutes hindrance to the success of ETO." A major access point to the nation's sea port should be rid off these hindrances" he stated.
Answering questions on why the concessionaires are yet to get renewal of their licenses, NPCC Chairman, Bolaji Sunmola attributed the delay to recent changes in Leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority, noting that the matter is being attended to at the appropriate quarters.
Earlier, the President of MAJAN, Mr.Jerry Aguigbo in his opening remarks, expressed confidence in the Chairman of the Council, describing him as "a perfect fit for the big shoes left behind by late Otunba Kunle Folarin".
He said," For the little time you're going to spend with us here,we want to believe you would do a good job of letting us into your plans for the NPCC and by extension, the Nigerian port industry".
High point of the occasion was the presentation of plaque to the Chairman of the NPCC, Mr.Bolaji Sunmola.
The NPCC Chairman was accompanied to the Round Table by Hajia Jamilah Haladu, representing NPA, Baba Musa Dannasir operations officer, Nigeria Shippers' Council, Tokan Lawal Babatunde, Operations Officer NSC, and Michael Kayode P.A. to NPCC Chairman.
The round table discussion provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the NPCC’s role in shaping an inclusive and sustainable port industry in Nigeria.
PG, MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, fnli
