General
NPA Targets Functional Digital Ports by 2025
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has begun deliberate measures and investments for a fully digital ecosystem across the country by 2025.
This was disclosed by the Acting Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, at the 41st Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) Annual Council Meeting and 16th Round-table Conference of Managing Directors of PMAWCA in Douala, Cameroon.
He stressed that as the international supply chain battles several disruptions, the agency would focus on port smartness level than its size, in order to optimise productivity and meet users’ expectations.
In his presentation on Digitalisation Roadmap and Current Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Implementation Status, Mr Bello-Koko stated that “at NPA, our goal is to leverage on technology to close the gap between us and the major international ports.”
He noted that “a digitalised port helps in making better informed operational decisions, increase efficiency, improve collaboration among stakeholders, lower port costs and ultimately help to meet the ever-increasing customer expectations in a timely manner.”
The NPA MD, who was represented at the forum by the Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Mr Idris Abubakar, disclosed that the NPA was currently implementing a five-year plan for a fully digitalised port system in Nigeria, and has so far deployed a portfolio of systems and infrastructure towards the actualisation of its ICT objectives.
These include Oracle Enterprise Business Suite for financial and human resources planning, Billing/Revenue and Invoice Management System (RIMS) to fast-track billing processing, Customer Portal/electronic Ship Entry Notice (eSEN)/Manifest Upload for shipping traffic management and Hyperion Budgeting for management of the annual budget.
Others are the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence System (3Ci) for maritime domain awareness and management of vessel calls, Truck Call-up and Gate Access Control for the control and scheduling of trucks to the ports as well as to manage truck traffic around the port corridor.
He explained that should the target be actualised on the set date, it would be exactly 50 years after Nigeria first deployed the main computer system (in 1975) to improve its payroll management, billing, statistical and accounting systems.
He noted that since 1975 when NPA first deployed the main computer system to improve its payroll management, billing, statistical and accounting systems, a lot of work has gone into its smart port transformation agenda aimed at bringing about paperless, time-saving and cost-efficient port operations.
He explained that from 1992, the deployment of personal computers was done at each port location to ease data management, while information sharing remained difficult due to the absence of connectivity between the ports, he added.
Then in 2011, the agency reviewed its ICT strategy in line with its new role as landlord, following the concession of port terminals in 2006, with a focus on enterprise computing and heavy dependence on network infrastructure, along with a centralised and shared database.
Its adoption of a phased ICT deployment is geared towards achieving a fully integrated port operating system to foster relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, streamline NPA’s internal business processes, use high-end smart technologies, as well as record, monitor and utilise data for better decision making.
On his part, the President of PMAWCA and Director-General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr Michael Luguje, said the digitised model was very relevant because more than ever, COVID-19 has brought its importance.
“Within a space of time, the dynamics with regards to world trade and our ways of life can change dramatically.
“The impact of COVID-19 cannot be swept under the carpet so easily. Countries are now rebuilding after many years of economic progress has been wiped off.
“As leaders in the maritime field entrusted with the responsibilities of facilitating trade and economic progress for our respective countries, we are here for serious discussion on how we can continue to adjust in the face of this unwavering virus, and how to plan and operate our ports to meet future challenges.
“The main aim is to explore diverse ways of using less to achieve more through the use of smart technologies.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
