FIVE-YEAR DIGITAL PLAN FOR NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY

The ambitious target has been confirmed by Mohammed Bello-Koko, Acting Managing Director, NPA, in the company’s “Digitalisation Roadmap and Current Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Implementation Status” announcement.

This new strategy has a central focus based on enterprise computing, with a heavy dependence on network infrastructure, while also using a centralised and shared database.

To achieve this fully integrated port operating system, NPA has confirmed that it intends to adopt a phased ICT deployment. In doing so, a number of benefits are expected to be gained, including streamlining internal port business processes, making use of high-end smart technologies and to record, monitor and utilise more data to promote better decision-making.

Other key objectives for ICT include a Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence System (3Ci) for maritime domain awareness and management of vessel calls, along with Truck Call Up and Gate Access Control for the control and scheduling of trucks to the ports.

Bello-Koko notes: “Our goal is to leverage on technology to close the gap between us and the major international ports…a digitalised port helps in making better informed operational decisions, increased efficiency, improve collaboration amongst stakeholders, lower port costs and ultimately help to meet the ever-increasing customer expectations in a timely manner.”