The Sea Empowerment Research Center (SEREC) has lamented the continuous delay of the $700m port rehabilitation fund already captured in the 2025 budget, stating that the delay is leading to the uncompetitiveness of Nigerian Ports when compared to other ports in the West African sub-region.
In a statement released on Monday by SEREC Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, the Centre said that the timely release of the fund will help to address the pressing concerns at the ports, such as congestion, poor berth production, and ship turnaround time.
According to SEREC, “The situation at Nigerian ports is indeed alarming, and the lack of implementation of the approved $700m rehabilitation budget is exacerbating the issues.
The Sea Empowerment Research Center (SEREC) hereby wishes to express its deep concerns on the continuous delays in the implementation of the port rehabilitation, as budgetted by the Federal Government.
“Equally, the Centre offers to draw government attention to a need to put in place a milestone implementation processes/plans and a definitive rehabilitation project vision to drive the implementation process.
“To this extent, the Center hereby deposit the following advice and recommendations to the government which it believes will help to address the pressing concerns at Nigerian ports, improve efficiency, increase revenue generation, and make the ports more attractive to shipping lines and cargo, this being the essence and driving vision of the Nigerian ports rehabilitation goals: The government should immediately commence the implementation of the approved USD700m rehabilitation budget. This will help address the pressing concerns at the ports, such as congestion, poor berth production, and ship turnaround time.
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“Government should establish a transparent project management system to ensure that the rehabilitation works are carried out efficiently and effectively. This includes setting up a project monitoring team, regular progress updates, and a clear communication channel with stakeholders.
“Government should identify and prioritize the most critical infrastructure that needs rehabilitation, such as the quay walls, cranes, and handling equipment. This will ensure that the most pressing issues are addressed first, and the ports can start to operate more efficiently.
“Government should engage with all stakeholders, including port operators, shipping lines, cargo owners, and other industry players, to ensure that their concerns and needs are taken into account during the rehabilitation process.
“Government should encourage diversification of port operations, such as the development of new terminals, warehouses, and logistics facilities, to increase cargo throughput and revenue generation.
“Government should consider private sector participation in the rehabilitation and operation of the ports, through public-private partnerships (PPPs) or concessions, to bring in much-needed investment, expertise, and efficiency.
“Government should review and update the regulatory framework governing port operations, to ensure that it is conducive to efficient and effective port management, and encourages investment and growth.
“Government should establish a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as necessary, to ensure that the rehabilitation efforts are successful and sustainable.”
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