Lagos ports
John Iwori
The Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), Apapa, Lagos has introduced what it called Ports Information Management System (PIMS).
It said PIMS was designed to enable port users and other stakeholders gain access to information without stress in LPC.
LPC, which remains the busiest in the country, is home to Apapa Quay, Africa’s largest container terminal. The terminal is presently concessioned to AP Moller Apapa Terminals Limited, one of the subsidiaries of Danish port operations and logistics giant, AP Moller Maersk Group.
Erstwhile Port Manager (PM) of LPC, Mr. Joshua Asanga, disclosed this at a seminar which took place in Lagos. He told participants at the seminar that the new information system was designed to simplify information gathering at the ports.
He noted that before and after the port concession programme, port users move about the port in search of useful information about the ports comprising movement of ships and cargo, among others, and the board provides a one-stop shop information portal for all aspects of port operation online real time”.
The PM also said that part of reasons for the new system was to check movement of unauthorised persons within the ports.
He also said that key beneficiaries of the new system are the corporate organisations that may want to occupy vacant slots on the screen but for the people and other several stakeholders themselves. PIMS is separated and peculiar to the different seaports.
Executive Director Marine and Operations of NPA, Mr. David Omonibeke, who spoke at the event, noted that information is expensive and that the authority would do all it could, to enhance speedy dissemination of port information to facilitate smooth port operation.
He said soon NPA will automate all port operations, adding that what the LPC had done was an integral part of the new port automation. He therefore enjoined port users and other stakeholders to support NPA in its bid to make the ports more efficient.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nasir Anas Mohammed has formally assumed duties as the PM of LPC. Shortly before taking the reins of office, Mohammed was introduced to stakeholders by his predecessor, Asanga. The stakeholders include representatives of shipping companies, shipping agencies, stevedoring companies, terminal operators and clearing agents operating at LPC.
Mohammed was also introduced to other members of the port community and representatives of government agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) staff at the port.
Shortly after the introductions, Asanga, who expressed confidence in the ability of his successor to elevate the status of the premier port and take its operations to greater heights, formally handed over to Mohammed at a brief ceremony attended by Heads of Departments of the port.
“I have had the opportunity of working closely with him and I was quite delighted about his appointment because I know that he will do a very good job of running the port and he is quite aware of the strategic importance of the port to the nation’s economy”, he said.
Mohammed, who described his predecessor as a selfless public officer, thanked him for the “wonderful job” he has done at the port over the past five years even as he promised to build on the successes recorded so far.
“The Managing Director of the NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has a vision for the organisation and for our ports. I am coming here with a clear mandate from the MD and that mandate includes rendering effective customer service. So I am here to ensure that we improve on our operations and processes. We will try to make the port much more efficient and responsive to our customers. Service is our watchword”, he stated.
Mohammed has been described as a refined civil servant and an astute administrator. His deep knowledge of port operation, dedication to work, commitment and diligence stand him out among his peers.
Before his appointment, Mohammed was Head, Servicom Unit at NPA headquarters. He had earlier served as Assistant General Manager Administration, combining the duties with his Servicom responsibilities.
The new PM is a Political Science graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also obtained M.Sc International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos. He has attended several trainings on maritime operations within and outside Nigeria including the National University of Singapore where he bagged a Graduate Diploma in Maritime and Port Management.
He has chaired and served on several Committees including the Port Industry Anticorruption Standing Committee where he was the pioneer Publicity sub-Committee Chairman.
He is a member of several professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT); Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Administrators.