The Port Community System (PCS) is an electronic platform that connects multiple systems operated by different organizations at the country’s ports.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed regulations requiring all ports around the world to be fully automated by 2025.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has begun the process of implementing the PCS in order to achieve the IMO objectives and ensure that Nigeria benefits from the inherent advantages of the system.
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In June 2022, the NPA announced that it is working with the IMO to deploy information technology (IT) solutions with an initial goal of fully automating Nigeria’s ports by 2023.
According to the NPA, IMO consultants visited Nigeria for a 10-day on-site assessment that year and also provided funding for part of the process.
IMO consultants were to visit all ports in Nigeria and develop a strong, inclusive and inclusive port community system.
According to BusinessDay’s findings, the implementation process was divided into five phases. IMO paid for two of the five cases, and the remaining three were paid by the NPA.
Also, both interim and final reports are ready. Once submitted, NPA will, at the point of procurement, decide on a competent company to implement the system.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Maritime Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, formally received a report on the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to enhance the ease of doing business at the country’s ports.
Mr Oyetola said by adopting the initiative, Nigeria would benefit from global trade opportunities.
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However, he called on the NPA to expedite the procurement process for appointing companies to implement PCS.
The PCS is a platform that all operators can connect to and is expected to reduce human interference, improve port efficiency, and block leakage.
It will also reduce vessel waste and waiting times, reduce turnaround times and increase the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
