Stakeholders call for data-driven compliance to improve SOPs in maritime domain

Kathy Kyari

Stakeholders in the maritime industry have advocated the adoption of data-driven compliance improve the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the maritime domain.

They held that the adoption of data-driven compliance will serve as a catalyst for the transformation of port sector.

Speaking at a Fourth Compliance Roundtable themed "A MARITIME Sector Fit For Purpose: Evidence of Data Driven Compliance" organised by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi) in Lagos on Thursday, the stakeholders highlighted its potentials to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the port sector.

In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Magdalene Ajani noted that there is no better time than now to delve into using data driven compliance to achieve a maritime sector fit for purpose.

Represented by the Ministry's Director of Maritime Services, Mr Babatunde Sule, Ajani stated that through relevant government agencies, Nigeria has gamered momentum to achieve a maritime sector fit for purpose by continuously supporting, sustaining and institutionalizing government led reform policies that will improve compliance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the maritime sector.

According to the Permanent Secretary, all government agencies as well as other stakeholders in the industry should contribute and share knowledge on how to actively tackle corruption risks and ensure compliance-related knowledge and processes are achieved within the Port related activities.

Her words: "As a result of implementation of resolutions derived from the series of Roundtable Discussions, incidences of corrupt related demands in areas of vessel clearance have been reduced to the barest minimum, while Port Users are able to demand, track and ensure greater compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

"In fact, our gains are such that other Countries are seeking to borrow a leaf from our Ports Operations. It is worthy of note that, there is no better time than now to delve into using data driven compliance to achieve a maritime sector fit for purpose.

"The task ahead is huge but I believe that collectively and with the right support and political will of institutional leaders and key decision makers of Government Agencies that play key roles in the Maritime Sector, we can achieve and even surpass a data driven Maritime Sector fit for purpose".

Shedding light on the numerous benefits of using an evidence-based approach to embed compliance to the SOPs at the ports, the Associate Director, Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Mr Vivek Menon noted that each port agencies should produce their compliance scorecards which will expose what variances exist between operational realities and standardised procedures and why such gaps occur.

He challenged all stakeholders to adopt more widespread compliance technology to create an evidence base for solving SOPs discrepancies.

"The work is not done yet. We can enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria and enable the nation to unlock its full potentials within the Maritime trade Landscape and seize opportunities in the global maritime industry", Vivek stressed.

The Provost, Anti- Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ICPC Academy), Prof Olatunde Babawale said in his speech that in addressing the challenges faced at the ports, a data-driven approach that emphasizes datagathering, analysis and response will allow

ports authorities and stakeholders to collect comprehensive and accurate information about port operations, processes and performance hence enforcing compliance and improving transparency/accountability at Nigerian ports.

Represented by Mr Bello Richard, Babawale charged all ports sector organisations to start working towards using data to improve the efficiency of daily operations and decision making.

According to him, using these effectively will ensure the ports become more efficient, secure and more beneficial to the Nigerian economy.

"Data allows organizations to establish baselines, benchmarks and goals to keep moving forward. It enables them track and review the health of the various processes and essential systems they have put in place. Undoubtedly, data gathering, and subsequent analysis and response play a crucial role in the achievement of SOP compliance, transparency, and accountability at Nigerian ports.

"Overall data gathering analysis, and response are essential tools for improving standards operating procedure compliance, transparency and accountability at Nigerian ports. Ports sector organisations should be working towards using data to improve the efficiency of daily operations and decision making. By using these effectively, it is possible to make the ports more efficient, secure and more beneficial to the Nigerian economy," Babawale declared.

In his own contribution, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime noted that in this era of rapid technological advancement, data has become the life blood of progress and innovation which has the power to transform industries and revolutionize the way businesses are being conducted without an exception to the Maritime Sector.

Jime was represented by the National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), Mr Moses Fadipe.

He stressed that compliance is not an abstract concept but rather an objective that can be measured, monitored, and improved through the strategic utilization of data.

Jime held that stakeholders through harnessing the power of data can unlock valuable insights, make informed decisions, and drive sustainable port reform.

He added that it is through data-informed decision-making approach that we can strengthen compliance arrangements and propel the sector to new heights.

"We recognize that compliance is not an abstract concept but rather an objective that can be measured, monitored, and improved through the strategic utilization of data. Data-driven compliance provides us with the means to identify areas of weakness, mitigate risks, and enhance our overall operational efficiency. It empowers us to proactively address challenges and ensure that our sector operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with international best practices.

"As we embark on this journey towards a data-driven Maritime Sector, we must acknowledge the crucial role of collaboration and stakeholder engagement. It is only through a collective effort that we can build robust data systems, establish effective monitoring mechanisms, and foster a culture of integrity. I implore each and every one of you to actively participate in this discussion, share your insights, and contribute your expertise. Together, we can create an ecosystem that supports the generation, analysis, and utilization of data for the betterment of our sector" Jime noted.

Speaking earlier in his opening speech, the Co-Founder/CEO of CBi Nigeria, Mr Soji Apampa emphasized that efficiency is the most important factor in Port operations adding that the gathering and protection of data and information will effectively help in achieving the set objectives for the creation of the ports.

Apampa however noted that useful data and information can only be effectively gotten and recorded if all Port players strictly work by the rules of the SOPs that oversees all activities carried out in and around the port corridor.