Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have intensified calls for the urgent adoption of smart technologies to reposition the nation’s ports for global competitiveness, as industry leaders converged at the 2026 Conference and Awards of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria in Lagos.
The high-level gathering, held on April 30, 2026, at Rockview Hotel Apapa, was themed “Attaining Port Efficiency in the Face of Emerging Technology,” drawing policymakers, maritime experts, regulators, and private sector operators.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, former lawmaker representing Apapa Federal Constituency, Mufutau Egberongbe, called for a decisive shift from obsolete, manual-driven port systems to fully digitalised and technology-driven operations.
Egberongbe warned that Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge in global trade if it fails to align with rapidly evolving technological trends shaping modern port ecosystems.
“Ports are critical gateways to economic growth, but efficiency can no longer be achieved through outdated processes. The future belongs to smart ports powered by innovation and data,” he said.
He identified persistent challenges hampering Nigerian ports, including congestion, prolonged cargo dwell time, high operational costs, infrastructure deficits, and security vulnerabilities. According to him, these bottlenecks continue to weaken the country’s position in international logistics and trade facilitation.
Highlighting global best practices, Egberongbe cited leading ports such as the Port of Rotterdam, Port of Singapore, and Port of Shanghai as examples of how smart technologies have transformed port operations, significantly improving turnaround time, efficiency, and revenue generation.
He explained that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, automation, and digital twin systems are revolutionising port management globally.
According to him, AI can forecast vessel arrivals and optimise resource allocation, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of cargo and equipment. Blockchain technology, he added, enhances transparency in documentation and reduces delays associated with manual processing, while automation improves cargo handling speed and accuracy.
Egberongbe also emphasised the importance of digital twin technology in simulating port operations for better planning, alongside integrated port community systems that connect all stakeholders on a unified digital platform.
Focusing on Nigeria, he pointed to major ports including the Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can Island Port, and Onne Port, noting that efficiency gains can be achieved through targeted investments in technology and infrastructure.
He advocated for full digitalisation of port processes, deployment of rail evacuation systems to reduce road congestion, upgrading of obsolete cargo handling equipment, and strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical systems.
The former lawmaker further stressed the need for continuous human capital development, noting that a skilled workforce is essential for managing and sustaining smart port operations.
On funding, Egberongbe highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in bridging infrastructure gaps, while calling for regulatory reforms that support innovation and align Nigeria’s maritime sector with international standards.
Participants at the AMJON conference echoed similar concerns, stressing that collaboration among government agencies, port operators, and technology providers is critical to achieving sustainable transformation.
They noted that embracing smart port solutions would not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce costs, improve cargo throughput, boost government revenue, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in global maritime trade.
“Attaining efficiency at the port is no longer optional—it is a necessity,” Egberongbe concluded, urging stakeholders to adopt global best practices and integrate sustainability into port modernisation strategies.
The AMJON 2026 Conference and Awards also featured recognition of outstanding contributions to the maritime industry, reinforcing the role of journalism and stakeholder engagement in driving reforms across Nigeria’s port sector.
Nigeria’s maritime stakeholders at AMJON 2026 in Lagos call for urgent adoption of smart technologies, as Mufutau Egberongbe warns that outdated port systems threaten efficiency and global competitiveness.
Mufutau Egberongbe further urges Nigeria to adopt smart port technologies to tackle congestion, cut costs, and boost global trade competitiveness.
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