NPCC Plays Vital Role In Policy Advocacy, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Stewardship – Says Bolaji Sunmola
NPCC Plays Vital Role In Policy Advocacy, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Stewardship – Says Bolaji Sunmola
By Asuquo Nuwak
The chairman of Nigerian port consultative council, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, said the council has played vital role in policy advocacy, infrastructure development, capacity building, environmental stewardship and a long term strategies for the Nigerian port industry.
Mr Bolaji Sunmola, who disclosed this during MAJAN roundtable discussion at its “World Press Centre” on 24 October 2024, in Apapa, Lagos, also added that the council is involved in advocacy for upgrading port infrastructure, with a particular focus on digitization, automation and sustainability to meet international standards
In his presentation, he said NPCC is a decision making body which oversee port related matters, including operations, safety and environmental impact.
The NPCC, according to him, is composed of a diverse set of industry experts , government representatives and community stakeholders.
Historically, NPCC is said to have been established before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, when Nigeria’s ports were mere wharves, but today NPCC history reflects significant milestones in port modernization, such as digitization of operations and public private partnerships.
Mr Bolaji Sunmola, who said the mission of the NPCC is rooted in fostering stakeholder’s collaboration for sustainable development in the port sector, also announced that the vision is to create a collaborative platform where industry leaders, stakeholders, and local communities can come together to drive innovation, dialogue and foster economic expansion in the port industry.
He said the council activities has significantly expanded to meet the growing needs of maritime sector, which included capacity building, through workshops, trainings and seminars to enhance the capabilities of the stakeholders, while ensuring that they are equipped to the evolving demands of the industry.
According to Mr Bolaji Sunmola, NPCC is committed to ensuring that ports operate with minimal environmental impact, aligning with international standards.
In order to reposition NPCC for greater and effective performance, Bolaji Sunmola, said the council have developed strategic roadmap, which included realignment of the internal structure to ensure agility, transparency and accountability.
In order to oversee the critical aspects of port operations, he said the council have formed specialized committee, which included legal, financial and operational matters.
In his words: “As our future lies in digitalization. We are working towards implementing a ” Single Window” system that will streamline processes and innovation with the aim to enhance port efficiency through advocating for the adoption of global best practices.
He is quoted as saying that: “We are committed to reducing turnaround times and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s ports”.
In highlighting environmental leadership, he announced that the council envision Nigerian ports as environmentally responsible pubs that contribute to sustainable economic growth, both locally and across Africa.
In addressing the issue of global competitiveness, the chairman of NPCC disclosed that the council is focused on transforming Nigerian ports into competitive entities on the global stage, capable of attracting international trade investment.
For Bolaji Sunmola, securing adequate funding remains a critical challenge for NPCC. In order to address the issue, he announced that the council is exploring several options, which included public private partnerships, with the aim to leverage ppps for major infrastructure projects, thus relieving the burden on government resources.
In the area of consultancy and advisory services, he noted that the council is offering expertise to other maritime organisations, with the hope to generate additional revenue to fund the council activities.
He said the council had designed special ized training programme for operators and stakeholders to raise revenue, while enhancing the skills of the workforce.
Aside from limited financial resources which restrict the ability to execute large scale initiatives, he said this also underscores the need for more sustainable revenue streams.
In addressing the issue of regulatory complexity, he announced that the council is navigating the evolving regulatory landscape that is expected to balance national policies with international maritime laws, which is often slow and difficult to process.
In explaining the operational bottlenecks, he said with minimal staffing and administrative resources, the council is hindered in its ability to facilitate the the council ambitious interventions across board.
Besides, he revealed that the slow pace of digital transformation within the sector is a significant impediment to the vision of fully automated port operations which they are fully committed to address.
Aside from the chairman of Nigerian ports consultative council, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, dignitaries in attendance at the MAJAN roundtable discussion included Barrister Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, Chief Basil Okpara, Hajia Jamilah Haladu from NPA, Baba Musa Dannasir and Tokan Lawal Babatunde both from Nigeria Shipper’s Council, including Olanipekan Michael Kayode
In the words of Mr Bolaji Sunmola: “In this capacity, we have fostered stakeholder collaboration, driven impactful initiatives, and helped shape an inclusive ecosystem where every voice is valued. We believe that NPCC’s continued success relies on maintaining strong partnerships both locally and internationally, sharing critical information, and aligning regulatory standards to support the future growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s ports”.
Bolaji Sunmola is quoted as saying that: “As we reflect on the NPCC’s activities and our roadmap for the future, it is evident that collaboration, innovation, and sustalnabllity are the cornerstones of our mission”.
In the words of Bolaji Sunmola: “AS we address the challenges we face, leverage on our KN partnerships, and secure sustainable funding, we Will ensure that NPCC remains a vital force in driving the advancement of Nigerian ports. Collaboratively, we can chart a future of growth, environmental responsibility and global competitiveness for the Nigerian maritime sector.
At the end of the MAJAN roundtable discussion, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, thanks the participants for their time and attention, while looking forward to their continued collaboration as they work towards realizing their shared vision for the future of Nigerian ports.
In his opening remarks, the president of Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Comrade Jerry Aguigbo, commended the council for the unrelenting efforts towards making the council more proactive, especially after the passing on of the former chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin, who was tireless worker, was everywhere, and greatly loved by most maritime Stakeholders.
He said, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, who is the national president of national association of Stevedoring Operators, has over the years engaged International Oil Companies, in different battles to ensure that the rights of Nigerian Stevedoring are enforced and protected.
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