Port security: NPA moves to guard ship navigation with electronic monitoring device

As part of its effort to deal with safety, security and operational challenges facing the nation’s port system, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commissioned the Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence System (CCCIS)- an electronic marine operation and surveillance system for monitoring vessel navigation on the waterway.

Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi, the Minister of Transport at the weekend, officially commissioned this device, which was developed to cover maritime activities in the six Nigerian seaports including the four-pilotage districts.

According to NPA, the new device incorporates other port automotive devices like the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) and the Integrated Port Community Information System (IPSIS), which aims at establishing an automated single window system for the maritime industry.

The new device comprises Marine Operational Centre (MOC) that enables monitoring of vessels and the Network Operations Centre (NOC), which is the support, and infrastructure database that stores information including videos.

Speaking at the event, Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of NPA, who noted that the development of this device is a step towards the automation of port operations, which will in turn enable NPA to enhance service delivery, stated that NPA will strive towards the adoption of highest practical standards in achieving maritime safety and efficient navigation so as to control pollution from ships.

While noting that responsibility is placed on the port authority to undertake detailed security assessment of port facilities, the NPA boss stated that the device would enable the authority to surmount security and safety challenges in the port, including the entire maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea.

“It will enable NPA to not just generate adequate revenue but to also ensure that all revenue leakages are blocked in line with the federal government efforts to revitalise the economy. Indeed, this technology has positioned Nigerian port to become the hub in the West African sub-region.”

While commissioning the facility, Amaechi disclosed that the development of the device began with the Federal Government approval in 2013, with the aim of providing business intelligence for the movement of vessels and cargoes, as well as providing highly secured communications within the waterways.

“The device is one of the positive responses to the dynamics of port modernisation for stemming security and operational challenges in the port. This is because the technology comprises long and short range video surveillance monitoring systems as well as several other software applications that are in line with the International Maritime Organisation Conventions for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS), including Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) code.”

Stating that the seaport is the major platform for trade facilitation with about 90 percent of imports and exports passing through the seaport, the minister assured that Nigeria as a member of IMO will remain committed to upholding the thrust of the organisation, especially in the area of safety, security, environmental protection and trade facilitation.

“Government on its own part will continue to encourage laudable projects that would ensure safety, security, environmental protection, efficiency and also improve revenue generation. Therefore, the conceptualisation, development and installation of this system by the NPA will in no small way promote the rating of our ports by the IMO,” Amaechi assured.

He further advised the authority to continue to improve on the automation of the port system, even as he encouraged the nation’s port community to key into the utilisation of this technology for efficient port services.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie