Cotecna, others may return as FG mulls PPP for port scanners 

There is hope that private scanning service providers including Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd (CDIL), SGS Scanning Nigeria Ltd and others may find their way back into the system as the Federal Government said on Monday that it would consider reintroducing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for the installation and maintenance of scanners at the nation’s seaports.

Recall that in 2006, the Federal Government engaged Cotecna, SGS and Global Scan Systems Nigeria Ltd to install scanners at the ports and land borders on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) terms for seven years. The contract was, however, not renewed after it expired in 2013.

The scanners installed by the companies were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, which was unable to manage and maintain them.

In May 2021, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, accused the NCS of “mishandling” the scanners after taking them over from the private companies.

However, the decision to re-engage the private sector in the installation and maintenance of scanners was made on Monday during a “strategic meeting” between the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The meeting, according to a press statement, was held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and aimed at “enhancing port efficiency for effective trade facilitation”. It was attended by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, who joined virtually.

“The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualise initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation.

“A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the non-intrusive inspection technology to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian seaports,” the statement said.

Part of the resolution reached at the meeting include the immediate optimisation of all existing scanners at major ports Apapa, Tin Can, Onne and PTML and the strategic deployment of existing mobile scanners “to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections”.

The meeting also charged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to move cargoes to inland container depots/dry ports by rail to take pressure off the roads.

“Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development,” the statement said.

“The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment. The anticipated implementation of these resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness,” it added.