NPA plans ports inventory to tackle emission

The Nigerian Ports Authority has developed a port emissions inventory aimed at tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the country’s port activities.

He said that would be a comprehensive tool to measure and monitor emissions from all port-related activities, including vessels at berth, cargo-handling equipment, and port service vehicles.

The Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, commented on the development recently in Lagos at the 2024 World Maritime Day, with the theme: “Navigating the future: Safety first”.

Dantsoho, who was represented by the Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Ibrahim Umar, warned that the growing international maritime trade accounting for roughly three per cent of global GHG emissions presented environmental and economic risks for Nigeria if not addressed.
He stated that climate change, driven by increased GHG emissions, poses serious threats, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events, which endanger Nigeria’s coastal and port infrastructure as well as surrounding communities.

“To address these environmental challenges in maritime operations, NPA will develop a comprehensive Port Emissions Inventory, aimed at tracking and reducing GHG emissions across Nigeria’s port activities,” he stated.

According to Dantsoho, safety is about protecting lives and property and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“In navigating the future of maritime trade, we must integrate safety considerations into how we manage port operations, reduce emissions, and implement sustainable practices,” he said.

The NPA boss maintained that a secure, clean, and efficient port system was central to maintaining the safety and integrity of maritime operations, adding that the agency was committed to the vision.
Dantsoho explained that the initiative would help the NPA pinpoint the sources of GHG emissions and create targeted strategies for their reduction.

He further stressed the need for compliance with international environmental standards.

Dantasho said as part of the larger environmental strategy, the NPA also planned to modernise port reception facilities, ensuring that waste generated by ships was safely disposed of.

He stated that those facilities were crucial for preventing marine pollution and would be expanded to handle increased maritime traffic.

He also underscored the adoption of smart port technologies, which was expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and limit the environmental damage caused by congestion.
Dantasho said in partnership with shipping companies, the NPA was promoting slow-step practices where ships reduce their speeds to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

He further emphasised the need for collective action to address both safety and environmental challenges, calling on shipping lines, port operators, government agencies, and the private sector to collaborate in creating a safer, cleaner maritime industry.

“The NPA is committed to taking the lead in navigating the future with safety and sustainability as our guiding lights.

“Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s ports and maritime operations thrive sustainably and securely for future generations,” Dantsoho asserted.