The introduction of an e-payment system at Onne Port has allowed it to improve its operations.
Onne port manager Umar Munir said that the introduction of e-payment systems has helped to reduce cargo clearing and ship turnaround times.
In the past, importers and agents had to return to the port after making payments in order to receive confirmation.
Munir explained that the Nigerian Ports Authority had to contact the banks to ensure that payment was made. This caused delays in cargo and ship dwell time.
However, in addition to the e-payment system, a command and control centre was set up at head office so that staff could track the position of ships at various ports across the country more easily.
This has benefitted the port by providing a reduction in vessel and cargo traffic, meaning more revenue for the port and an improvement in vessel turnaround times.
Capacity utilisation of the port has reached 85%.
