SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT IN THE PORT OPERATIONS

ESV Chukwuma Ihuoma Adanna

Ports have several important functions which are crucial to the efficiency of the ships which trade between them. Their main purpose is to provide a secure location where ships can berth. Improved cargo handling requires investment in shore-based facilities. The port also supplies services to freight (warehousing, transhipment, etc) and ships (piers, refueling, repairs etc). Consequently, it is misleading to consider a port strictly as a maritime terminal since it acts concomitantly as a land terminal.

A versatile port is able to handle different cargoes – bulk, containers, wheeled vehicles, general cargo and passengers all require different facilities. There is also the matter of providing storage facilities in inbound and outbound cargoes. The land transport systems must be efficiently integrated into the port operations. Railways, roads and inland waterways converge on ports and these transport links must be managed efficiently.

Small local port handle varied cargo flows, often services by short sea vessels while large local ports handle higher cargoes and have terminal with deeper draft to handle bigger bulk carriers. On the other hand, large regional ports handle high volumes of deep sea cargo which require heavy investment in specialized terminal facilities. Regional ports have a wider role as distribution centres for cargo shipped deep sea in very large ships and requiring distribution to smaller local ports.

Port Authorities control strategically located waterfront lands. The facilities provided in a port depend on the type and volume of cargo which is in transit. As trade changes, so do the ports. Each port has a mix of facilities and properties designed to meet the trade of the region it serves. These properties include berths, warehouses/sheds, stacking areas, quays, transit & backsheds, waterfront lands, barelands, developed lands, undeveloped lands, reclaimed lands, paved and unpaved lands, workshops, factory, offices, canteen, jetties, tank farms etc.

Land use in Nigeria is governed by legislations such as the Land Use Act and various environmental Planning Laws of States. However, the provisions of part V and section 24 (6) of the Ports Act relating to acquisition of lands and buildings for the purpose of discharging its responsibilities vests in Nigeria Ports Authority some powers to acquire lands for its functions. Other legislations that affect the use of lands in the Ports include the ISPS code that stipulates guidelines and policy directions on the use of land within the Ports.

Land is used to optimize throughput and increase revenue of Ports. It is a well-known practice that Ports allot lands for economic activities including establishment of industries to secure captive cargo for the Ports, and in the process, enhance Port sustainability. The lands and facilities are granted to companies on concession purposes, short and long term leases and Temporary Occupation Licences.

In addition, Port lands are used to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to encourage industrial development in and around the Ports. Ports are expected to give priority to use of their land for Port related activities over activities incidental to the Port. So, optimum use of land has remained a matter of continuing interest to all Ports. The need to ensure highest and best use of land resources to ensure optimum returns cannot be over emphasised.

Sustainable land management entails adoption of practices in managing of land resources that balance economic, social and environmental considerations in order to meet the present and future needs.

Land Policy is one of the most important policy frameworks for operating ports and it recommends various ways of increasing efficiency in the ports and encourage vibrant private sector participation in the ports through optimization of the land use by the customers. It also enhances optimal use of lands for the benefit of the Port Authority, stakeholders, and the national economy. Good policies should be put in place to encourage revenue generation from cargo dues, lease fees, pier licence fees and rents from Port facilities. Policies, rule and regulations regarding environmental health, safety and security should be enacted and enforced as the security of the port and waterways is of utmost importance and would encourage more ships into the country.

The importance of labour/workforce in the performance of the organisation cannot be over emphasised. There is need for efficient and effective human resources. The right professionals as well as skilled and unskilled manpower in relevant fields should be recruited to ensure effective land administration. Also, the workforce should be trained and retrained in order to ensure that they are conversant and abreast with correct best practises in the port industry.

Port infrastructure such as roads and quay areas should be well constructed and maintained. The use of modern equipment in the ports will ensure effective services and this will attract customers to the ports and thereby lead to increase in the revenue generation. Information, Communication and Technology equipment should be up to date with current best practices. The encouragement of the use of electronic transactions will save time and energy as well as reduce loss of man-hour. The valuation of the assets should be carried out periodically and port assets are insured accordingly.

The Concessionaires and lessees are to be monitored and supervised to ensure that they operate in line with the agreement. The lease fees should be paid as and when due so that the port will generate revenue. Development and maintenance of infrastructure should be carried out by the concessionaires in line with the agreement. Also the services rendered by the concessionaires should be monitored by the Authority in order to encourage port users to patronise the Ports. The concessionaires are expected to meet up with the safety and security standards, such that the ports would be safe and secure for port users as this will encourage more investors as well as increase revenue generation for the Port Authority.

ESV Chukwuma Ihuoma Adanna, a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer writes from Lagos ,Nigeria.