Ports council eyes databank for maritime industry

• Published On: 26 December 2024 at 09:11

The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council's plan to create a database for port industry statistics aims to provide a centralised repository for historical data and aid in industry forecasting.

This initiative is intended to improve data-driven decision-making and efficiency in the Nigerian port sector.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, NPCC leadership discussed this goal recently when the council established five new committees tasked with developing actionable ideas for expanding Nigeria's port industry.

Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of NPCC, stated that the proposed database would assist industry operators, regulators, and the government in effectively "planning for investments, policy adjustments, and infrastructure within the sector."

Sunmola expressed confidence that the NPCC could become the primary repository for port statistics, emphasising the importance of close collaboration with government regulatory agencies and stakeholders at seaports.

Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, the Vice Chairman of the NPCC, also stated that the NPCC committees are expected to develop a work plan that is consistent with their specific terms of reference.

This approach ensures that each committee's efforts are directed towards actionable and relevant tasks that will propel the growth of Nigeria's port industry.

She assured the audience that the NPCC would fully support the respective committees' efforts, emphasising the council's commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of their initiatives to develop Nigeria's port industry.

Speaking on behalf of the newly formed committees, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, Chairman of Port Operations and Logistics, stated that an assessment of Nigeria's seaports could be divided into two categories: port operations and human activities.

He emphasised the importance of having a thorough understanding of port operations and human activities when planning the sector's growth and assessing the performance of operators, agencies, and stakeholders.