Mufutau Egberongbe, the former representative for Apapa Federal Constituency, is advocating for a digital overhaul of Nigerian ports. He warned that relying on obsolete infrastructure is no longer sustainable if Nigeria hopes to keep pace with global shipping standards.
Egberongbe made this call while presenting a keynote paper titled “Attaining Efficiency at the Port in the Face of Emerging Technology”, where he highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in global port operations.
According to him, ports serve as critical gateways for international trade and economic growth, but many continue to struggle with congestion, delays, high operational costs, and infrastructure deficits. He noted that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, automation, and digital twin systems are reshaping port operations globally.
He cited leading global ports like the Port of Rotterdam, Port of Singapore, and Port of Shanghai as examples of facilities leveraging smart technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and boost competitiveness.
“Efficient ports are defined by minimal delays, lower costs, high productivity, and improved customer satisfaction,” Egberongbe stated, listing key performance indicators such as vessel turnaround time, cargo dwell time, and customs clearance speed.
He identified major challenges affecting port efficiency to include infrastructure gaps, reliance on manual processes, congestion, security risks, labour-related issues, and environmental pressures.
The former lawmaker explained that technologies like AI can help forecast vessel arrivals and optimize resource allocation, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of port equipment and operations.
He added that blockchain enhances transparency in cargo documentation, while automation and robotics improve handling speed and accuracy.
Egberongbe also emphasized the importance of digital twin technology in simulating port operations for better planning and decision-making, as well as smart port community systems that integrate all stakeholders on a unified platform.
Focusing on Nigeria, he pointed to key ports such as the Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can Island Port, and Onne Port, noting that efficiency can be significantly improved through digital solutions, rail evacuation systems, enhanced security, and private sector participation.
He further recommended full digitalisation of port processes, upgrading obsolete cargo handling equipment, strengthening cybersecurity systems, and investing in human capital development through continuous training.
Egberongbe stressed that public-private partnerships would play a vital role in funding modern port infrastructure, while regulatory reforms are needed to support innovation and ensure compliance with global standards.
“Attaining efficiency at the port is no longer optional but essential,” he said, adding that countries that embrace smart port technologies will benefit from faster cargo movement, reduced costs, increased revenue, and improved global competitiveness.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to benchmark international best practices and integrate sustainability into port modernization efforts to ensure long-term growth and resilience in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
