The Dynamics of Ports Reforms in Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Ports Operations

Ama Lawani ,Dele Badejo

doi:10.7176/ppar/11-7-01

Abstract

Over the time Nigeria economy is largely public sector driven, in which the seaports were not left out: managed by Nigerian Port Authority (NP A). With the seaports under the autonomous of NPA were faced with strangulating problems ranging from inefficiency of it services rendered, insecurity of ships and cargo, lack of modern infrastructures, inefficiency of the NPA staff and excess bureaucracy and sharp practice (corporate) these factors make port tariff on import and export higher than they need to be, couple with the technology trend in maritime transport which required huge capital fund. The government call for ports reforms; a reform that will liberalized and deregulate the seaport by the use of concession contract, this mandate the NPA to transfer terminals operators while NPA concentrates to play the role of landlord oversight functions. The government went further to reform the import guidelines procedures and documentation requirement, changing it form Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) to Destination Inspection (DI). The Seaport reforms which government introduced in 1996 eliminated the crippling delays in the clearance of import goods in the ports. This research study will examine the dynamics of port operations, the contribution of private operator in seaport operations, and services; technological development: considering the variable attached to seaport operations. Furthermore, this research analyze private sector capital investment in port and maintenance of infrastructures, superstructures and the contract of concession with other practicing nations, while from drawn questionnaire and secondary data the research will examine how and if Nigeria will benefit in the area of capacity building, physical development and if at all there is competition among the terminal operators considering there role in the concession regime. Finally, emphasis and comparison will be laid on cargo throughout, ship tum around, clearing procedures and port charges with the involvement of private participation. DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-7-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Highlights

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has over the years made huge investment in the development of ultra-modern port complexes designed to cope with challenges posed by modem shipping technology in doing this, Nigerian seaports are managed and administered as a state owned ports under the coordination of NPA
A newly designed ports reform was introduced in year 2004 which call for private investors in port operations and services
In carrying out this research work, data were collected through secondary sources from Nigeria Ports Authority

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has over the years made huge investment in the development of ultra-modern port complexes designed to cope with challenges posed by modem shipping technology in doing this, Nigerian seaports are managed and administered as a state owned ports under the coordination of NPA. This research will exclusive study the services of concessionaires how it promote economic efficiency, preserving and protecting the public interest in viable port system and to know that private participation in seaport operation in certain circumstances hold of stimulating economic growth and higher standard of living of the society at large as well as those whose livelihood depends directly on port activity and trade. A nation strives to provide an efficient and cost effective port system, and to be effective in its operations and services the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Transport has the following summarized statutory duties and major functions viz: 1. The efficient ports operations services and an improvement on tum around time of vessel is dependent and a function of availability of adequate cargo handling equipment.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

No meaningful physical development were carried out by the private investors

APMoller

Conclusion

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

CONCLUSION