BLOCK-CHAIN: A GAME CHANGER FOR THE MARITIME SECTOR- DG NITDA
By Raphael Jov, Abuja
Due to the unwavering determination of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to holistically implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, it has said it will assist in the digital technical transformation of the maritime sector.
The agency is optimistic that the usage of Block-Chain technology, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will positively transform the activities of the sector.
The Director General/CEO, NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stated that with Information Technology(IT) deployment in the maritime sector, there will be efficiency and more revenue generation.
He mentioned that Block-Chain technology can be used for tracking and tracing, trade tracing, supply chain, training and many more.
He argued that the infusion of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the ports will bring about little or no human efforts with great result.
Mallam Kashifu made this remark during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council led by its Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Bello said the purpose of the visit is to seek technical assistance to ensure that the maritime sector, especially the ports in Nigeria, are fully digitalised for efficiency so as to key into the pursuit of a Digital Nigeria.
Mallam Abdullahi remarked that transformation in the maritime sector is beyond technology alone, it has to cut across the people, the process and then the technology”.
The NITDA boss argued that for the NSC to get the best possible outcome, the council needs to look at its business architecture to identify the gaps in other to know where they are currently and where they want to be. The process flow and head hunt is required in other to look for people with the prerequisite skills to help get to where they want to be.
