Nigeria’s premier port, the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), Apapa, has introduced Ports Information Management System (PIMS), designed to facilitate easy access to information for all users of the port and other stakeholders.
Speaking at a seminar in Lagos Monday outgoing LPC Port Manager, Mr. Joshua Asanga, said that the new information system was designed to simplify information gathering at the port.
Asanga explained that pre- and post-port concession programme, port users move about the port in search of useful information, including movement of ships and cargo, among others, noting that the board provides a one-stop-shop information portal for all aspects of operations at the online real time.
He said that part of reasons for the new system was to check movement of unauthorised persons within the complex.
He said that key beneficiaries of the new system are the corporate organisations, that may want to occupy vacant slots on the screen, as well as the people and other stakeholders.
PIMS is separated and peculiar to the different seaports.
Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. David Omonibeke, who also spoke at the event, noted that information is expensive and that the Authority would do all it could to enhance speedy dissemination of ports information to facilitate smooth ports operation.
Omonibeke said that soon NPA will automate all ports operations, adding that what the LPC had done is an integral part of the new ports automation.
He, therefore, enjoined ports users and other stakeholders to support NPA in its bid to make the ports more efficient.
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