Nigerian ports get support of IMO on electronic data exchange
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been supported by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on the development of a Port Community System (PCS) for electronic data exchange for its ports.
Port Community System is a neutral platform that allows the exchange of electronic information between various stakeholders, which has become an increasingly important part of simplifying cross-border trade.
IMO disclosed that from January to June 2022, it will work with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to conduct a detailed needs assessment mission.
IMO stated that the assessment team will conduct an analysis of the current situation and put forward recommendations on the governance, business model, technology and identify any gaps to be addressed. “This will ensure that Nigerian ports benefit from an effective operational country-wide PCS to enhance the economy of the country,” noted IMO.
According to IMO, the assessment mission is phase two of a project which began in 2021 with a series of IMO-led webinars (between August and November 2021) which aimed to raise awareness among Nigerian stakeholders about key aspects of a PCS. This series identified the opportunities and challenges for developing a national PCS in Nigeria.
More than 60 senior management participants from Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Customs Service, Immigration, Health services, Agricultural services, Ministry of transportation, as well as port terminal operators, shipping companies, ship agents, importers, and exporters participated.
Source: portnews.com.ng
