NPCC Strengthens Maritime Workforce Capacity With Onshore, Offshore Port Operations Training

The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has successfully concluded a two-day intensive training programme aimed at strengthening manpower capacity and enhancing operational efficiency across Nigeria’s port and offshore logistics environment.

The training, held on February 27 and 28, 2026, at Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, brought together participants from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stevedoring companies, and other port service providers.

Focused on the theme “Onshore and Offshore Ports Operations and Management,” the programme featured seven technical papers addressing critical areas such as port community systems, digitalisation, regulatory compliance, safety management, emerging technologies, and workforce health.

Delivering a goodwill message, a member of the NPCC Board of Trustees, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, commended the Council for promoting knowledge sharing and addressing global maritime priorities, particularly in the area of port digitalisation.

“I encourage the NPCC to continue on this worthy path, as it creates a lasting legacy for the maritime industry through knowledge sharing and capacity development,” she said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, explained that the Council deliberately assembled expert facilitators and carefully researched papers to address the evolving operational demands of modern port management.

“For efficient port operations, highly technical skills and relevant knowledge are essential. This training is designed to equip participants with both,” he stated, expressing confidence that attendees would gain practical insights applicable to their professional responsibilities.

The NPCC Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, emphasised the global nature of the shipping industry and the need for Nigerian port professionals to align with international best practices. She also noted that hosting the programme in Port Harcourt reflected the Council’s commitment to expanding capacity-building initiatives beyond Lagos to other key maritime hubs.

The technical sessions commenced with a presentation by Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu on logistics and physical distribution management. Professor Bamidele Badejo followed with a paper highlighting the increasing role of drones and artificial intelligence in vessel traffic services, ballast water management, and port community systems.

Former Tin Can Island Port Manager, Chief Sylvester Egede, delivered a presentation on port community systems and safe crew transfer in offshore logistics. Other papers examined smart port technologies, electronic data interchange, the integration of shore-base and offshore facilities, and mental health concerns within the maritime workforce, including fatigue and burnout.

The sessions featured robust discussions and active engagement from participants. The programme concluded with practical exercises focused on mental health and workforce wellbeing, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy and resilient workforce to sustain productivity and operational efficiency within the maritime sector.