NPCC Advocates Strategic Action To Actualize 24-Hour Port Operations

By Roland Ekama 

Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), has advocated for strategic action to actualize 24- Hour port operations in the nation’s seaports

NPCC also decried that decay in infrastructure and limited operational hours are major setbacks that have led to the seaports underperformance in the sub region .

Speaking at the 5th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting in Apapa, Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, who delivered a policy address urged stakeholders to bridge the gap towards 24-hour port operations as a strategic and sustainable pathway for Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Sunmola emphasized that Nigeria’s seaports, which handle over 85% of the nation’s external trade, are underperforming due to infrastructural decay, bureaucratic delays, fragmented regulatory systems, and especially limited operational hours.

He cited global examples like Singapore, Rotterdam, and Busan, where ports operate round-the-clock, resulting in faster vessel turnaround, optimized cargo flows, and lower costs for consumers. In contrast, Nigeria’s restricted hours lead to nightly losses and higher logistics expenses.

While highlighting key operational gaps:he called for full adoption of digital platforms and Port Community Systems to streamline scheduling, tracking, and customs processes.

On labour and safety, Sunmola noted the need for flexible, incentivized shift systems and improved night-shift safety measures.

For infrastructure and security: He highlighted the importance of robust lighting, surveillance, and improved access roads to enable safe 24-hour operations.

Sunmola advocated for unified, digitized multi-agency frameworks to reduce delays and corruption.

A major focus was on sustainable and affordable energy. Sunmola proposed leveraging Nigeria’s solar potential and hybrid microgrids to power ports, citing successful local and international examples. He stressed that smart energy management would cut costs and ensure reliability.

Sunmola concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s potential to become a maritime leader in Africa, citing its strategic location, market size, and skilled workforce. He called on all stakeholders—government agencies, operators, energy providers, and investors—to collaborate in making 24-hour port operations a reality, positioning Nigeria for greater economic competitiveness.

“With a carefully sequenced strategy anchored on technology, sustainability, and stakeholder alignment, we can reposition our ports as efficient, secure, and economically transformative assets,” Sunmola stated