Experts Urge FG to Apply Benin Republic Port Community System Model

Eromosele Abiodun

Experts in the Nigerian maritimeExperts Urge bb sector have advised the federal government to copy the Webb Port model of port community system being used in neighbouring Benin Republic.

Speaking at the 2023, Port Industry Town Hall meeting in Lagos, organised by an online medium, JournalNG, the experts agreed that the Webb Port model has proven to enhance national security, improve revenue collection and promote trade at the seaport, airport and land borders.a

Speaking, A manager in charge of installation at Webb Fontaine Nigeria Limited, Lanre Balogun said the Port Community System has achieved seamless interactions between systems used by the port authority, customs and terminal operators from data exchange and logistics through billing and payment.

Balogun said all port processes under the Webb Ports regime enjoy speedy processing from electronic manifest declaration through electronic payment of all duties and fees; space booking for delivery and loading preparation; e- release for cargo exit authorisation and cargo movements management and follow up

He said his company has trained 8,137 persons in Benin from 2018 to 2022 and has 6,624 users of the system that has helped Benin Republic Customs achieve 97 percent increase in customs revenue collection between 2016 and 2022.

On his part, the Customs Area Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Comptroller Timinadi Bomodi warned that the nation’s blue economy will not attract FDIs without adequate data to guide investors.

Bomodi said that automated processes and technology could be utilized in addressing the dire need for relevant data on various aspects of the sector, which makes it easier for investors to understand the terrain.

While stating that the Customs online portal, Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) II, allows for integration of other agencies, he maintained that blue economy should be explored as an ecosystem that leverages technology.

Also speaking at the meeting, a Maritime Lawyer, Abdullai Tony Dania called for due diligence and enactment of laws that will strengthen integration among government agencies.

According to Dania, there is a need for mandatory inter agencies and inter-Ministerial collaboration, supported by statute to give impetus to the required technologically backed integration.

Meanwhile, the Founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam observed that automated processes of port agencies are fragmented.

Aniebonam, who was represented by the Registrar, NAGAFF Academy, Mr. Francis Omotosho observed that even the popular Customs Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation system and NPA’s electronic truck call-up system are fraught with the challenge of human interference.

On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi advised that already established technological processes should be improved upon.

Earlier, the Publisher of JournalNG and convener of the conference, Mr. Ismail Aniemu observed that technology has become part of daily life and automation has also become the norm.