Raheem Ibrahim
A former member of the Federal House of Representatives for Apapa Federal Constituency, Hon. Muftau Egberongbe has insisted that the adoption of emerging technologies are no longer optional but essential for improving efficiency at Nigerian Ports.
Delivering a paper at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), titled “Attaining Efficiency at the Port in the Face of Emerging Technology, the Hon stated that traditional manual systems can no longer cope with rising cargo volumes, larger vessels, and complex global supply chains.
According to him, ports as critical gateways for international trade and economic growth in Nigeria continue to face challenges including congestion, delays, high operating costs, inadequate infrastructure, security risks, and environmental concerns.
While citing that the Port of Singapore, Port of Rotterdam, and Tuas Port as examples of efficient smart ports that Nigeria should benchmark, he argued that efficiency must be measured through indicators such as vessel turnaround time, cargo dwell time, crane productivity, truck turnaround time, customs clearance speed, cost per container handled, safety records, and environmental performance.
Egberongbe who also identified several technologies that are already transforming port operations worldwide, said “Artificial Intelligence is being used to forecast vessel arrivals, allocate berth space, predict cargo volume, and optimize labour deployment. Internet of Things sensors now monitor cranes, trucks, containers, gates, and fuel usage in real time, while blockchain creates secure digital records for bills of lading, customs, payments, and cargo documentation”.
“Automation and robotics, including automated cranes and guided vehicles, are improving handling speed and accuracy. Digital twin technology provides virtual models of port operations to simulate traffic, weather, equipment usage, and cargo flow. Smart Port Community Systems integrate shipping lines, terminal operators, customs, freight forwarders, truckers, and regulators on one platform”, noted.
For Nigerian ports such as Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can Island Port, and Onne Port, he recommended specific interventions like implementing port community systems, truck call-up digital systems, customs automation, rail evacuation systems, and smart security surveillance, calling for Public-Private Partnership investment in modern terminals and continuous staff retraining to manage new technologies.
The former lawmaker who highlighted eight broader recommendations to attain efficiency, urging stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation in all port processes, upgrade obsolete cargo handling equipment, strengthen cybersecurity systems, and develop smart transport corridors around ports.
Egberongbe however called for private sector technology investment, continuous staff training, benchmarking of global best practices, and integration of sustainability into port modernization efforts, saying that smart technologies are reshaping global maritime trade through automation, predictive systems and digital platforms.
He maintained that ports that embrace innovation will enjoy faster cargo movement, lower operating costs, increased revenue, improved customer confidence and global competitiveness, adding “For developing countries like Nigeria, modernization of ports through technology adoption is key to economic growth and trade expansion.
