The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said on Friday that the automation of ports would block revenue leakages, cut cost and reduce corruption at the ports.
Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, NSC, made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Automation is the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology, usually involving electronic hardware.
According to Bello, the council is working hard to ensure that human contact at the port is reduced, thus reducing corruption as well.
“The automation of ports is based on those who are working at the port, the terminal operators and shipping companies; they have already started automating their processes.
“ So also is NPA and Customs; they have gone far on that, and we think that is the only way to cut cost.
“It is the only way to save time and block revenue leakages at the port.
“And it is the only way to work according to international standards, by making our ports more competitive,’’ he said.
He said that the council had launched an online complaint portal that would help resolve issues within 48hours.
Bello said that since November 2016 that the portal was launched, 80 online complaints had been received, and 43 had been resolved so far.
“If you have complaints or commendation or comments on everything you have to do at the port, online, you can make your complaints if your cargo comes late or if your cargo is missing or not delivered.
“Or is it short-landed, damaged or is it missing; when there is a delay in delivery of your cargoes, you can always complain to the shippers’ council online.
“And this complaint will be taking to the appropriate quarters, and there will be response within 48 hours.
“ This is our contribution to the automation of the port.
“We are developing it now; it’s been running, we have received about 80 complaints since it has been launched, and we have been able to solve 43,’’ the NSC official said.
He said that if the port was automated, people can clear their goods at home or from work without going to the port. (NAN)
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