African countries ‘need support of international bodies’ to raise standards at ports

The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) says Nigeria and other African countries need to leverage on the support of international bodies to raise standards and efficiency at their ports.

The position of IAPH was contained in communique issued on Wednesday.

The conference was hosted by Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). It was the first time any African country would host a conference of the IAPH.

The international association said there is an need to develop a multi-modal transport linkages with emphasis on rail, inland waterways and pipeline infrastructure.

It also said in a bid to reduce “difficult experiences” on intra-Africa trade route usually occasioned by heavy infrastructural deficit and unfriendly border post procedures, there is need for ministerial/ inter-government collaborations across sub and regional levels.

“African countries need to leverage on the support platforms provided by international bodies such as the IMO, WTO, UNCTAD, ACMA and others to build technical, financial and operational competence and capacity to raise standards and efficiency levels,” the communique read.

“To encourage funding, port service providers are encouraged to form viable consortium to provide the required size for credit guarantees. Promotion of the use of ICDs and off-dock facilities as a measure of promoting hinterland connectivity;

“African ports are encouraged to develop the right capacity to take investment opportunities in landlocked countries. Need for African ports to adopt best practices in terms of human capacity and expertise.

“Development of capacity building in ICT and port community systems to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. Take advantage of opportunities afforded by infrastructural financial institutions such as AfDB, ADF and NTF to access funds required to address the menace of infrastructural deficits;

“Need to operate within the prescription of the FAL convention to mitigate border post problems and associated delays and connectivity restrictions. There is the need for sustained promotion of the ideals/ objectives of Corridor Management Institutions (CMIs) as promoted by ACMA.

“Need to consider measures aimed at sustainable environmental protection as the ports and transportation network develop in response to increasing demands of logistics, connectivity and regional integration;

“Need to build models that will domesticate environmental compliance processes with regard to the peculiarity of the African situation.”

IAPH said there is need for African ports to develop capacities for standards that are comparable to global best practice and strengthen private sector participation (PPP) to improve dilapidated port infrastructure and efficiency in port operations.