Esther Oritse
Lagos — In a bid to strengthen the nation’s industrial sector and boost exports, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has emphasized the need to prioritize technology transfer to drive industrial development, enhance exports, and improve Nigeria’s trade balance.
The Chairman of NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a Maritime and Logistics Breakfast Meeting organised by the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) on Tuesday.
At the event themed: “Improving the Competitiveness of the Nigerian Ports in an era of Regional Integration, Sunmola, observed that Nigeria’s industrial transformation requires leveraging advanced technologies and expertise from the UK to build capacity for economic development.
“The British manufacturing sector, contributing £217 billion to the UK economy, supported an estimated 2.6 million jobs and accounted for 45% of exports in 2023. This demonstrates the value of technology-driven growth. In the same year, the total value of UK manufacturers’ product sales stood at 456.1 billion pounds.
“Consequently, establishing technology hubs, innovation labs, and structured training programs in partnership with leading British companies will equip our workforce with essential skills for high-value production and export,” the NPCC boss said.
Meanwhile, he recognised the vital role of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) stressing that NPCC is open to collaboration to forge strategic alliances to drive economic diversification, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
Noting that outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies have sometimes led to cargo diversion to neighboring countries thereby increasing costs and diluting Nigeria’s competitive edge, Sunmola recommended upgrading Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne ports to enhance cargo handling, reduce turnaround times, and position the nation’s ports as regional trade hubs.
“Digital transformation through integrated port community systems and a single-window clearance mechanism will streamline processes, improve transparency, and boost trade efficiency.
“Transforming our ports and industries requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) will mobilize investments for infrastructure upgrades and digitalization, while policy reforms must simplify regulations, streamline customs processes, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Our advocacy efforts will be essential in creating an enabling business environment,” he added.
Sunmola posited that with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening new trade opportunities, Nigerian ports must evolve into regional gateways via infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and regulatory reforms will enable seamless cross-border trade and attract international shipping lines.
