By Roland Ekama
A Master Mariner, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to lead the National Single Window (NSW) initiative to ensure smooth port operations and seamless cargo clearance.
Ebubeogu, a former General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications at the NPA, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the 6th Town Hall meeting organized by JournalNG.
“I want to plead for NPA and Customs to develop synergy for the National Single Window. The first thing to do—apart from ensuring power, energy availability, and internet—is for NPA and Customs to create seamless synergy as the heartbeat of the initiative. Otherwise, it will not work,” the mariner predicted.
He noted that smart ports and green ports represent the future of maritime operations, adding that vessel traffic management should be considered equally.
According to him, the NPA and Customs have the wherewithal to drive the NSW toward 24-hour operations. He stressed the need for seamless collaboration between port authorities and digital system operators to ensure the success of Nigeria’s National Single Window initiative.
Ebubeogu, who is also a stalwart of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), further called for the inclusion of environmental sustainability and marine operational systems in Nigeria’s push toward smart port development.
The maritime expert urged stakeholders to adopt a dual approach that combines digital efficiency with environmental responsibility in smart and green ports. He noted that ports of the future must embrace sustainable practices to address climate change challenges.
According to him, green port development aligns with global directives from international maritime bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which advocates the use of environmentally friendly technologies in port operations.
Ebubeogu explained that modern port equipment should be powered by low-emission or renewable energy sources.
He added that within the next decade, ships calling at ports will increasingly be required to shut down onboard generators and connect to shore-based power systems powered by clean energy.
He noted that such measures would significantly reduce carbon emissions and position Nigeria’s ports to meet emerging global environmental standards.
Beyond environmental concerns, Ebubeogu emphasized that smart port development must also incorporate critical marine operational components, including Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), fire protection systems, and electronic harbour management.
He highlighted the importance of establishing a Port Marine Information System, which would enable harbour masters and pilots to communicate electronically with incoming vessels, improving navigation safety and operational efficiency.
Ebubeogu also drew attention to improving logistics infrastructure surrounding port locations, particularly roads within port corridors. He explained that port logistics rings must remain free of traffic bottlenecks and supported by well-maintained access roads to ensure efficient cargo movement.
