The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has attributed the ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s maritime sector to reforms driven by the Federal Government and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Dantsoho made this known while speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he assured investors of Nigeria’s capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy through sustained reforms and increased private sector participation.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s port system would play a critical role in unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth, noting that the country must reposition its economy to fully harness its vast marine resources.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA boss highlighted Nigeria’s strategic location, population size and economic strength as key advantages that position the country to emerge as a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global leaders.
Despite these advantages, he expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP.
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.
Dantsoho, however, assured stakeholders that ongoing reforms by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are beginning to reposition the sector.
According to him, key initiatives include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports and full digitalisation of port operations.
He stressed that private sector participation remains central to achieving these objectives, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to address infrastructure gaps and improve operational efficiency.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the reforms are expected to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth.
Also speaking, Oyetola noted that Nigeria’s natural endowments, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, place it in a strong position to lead Africa’s blue economy.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” he said.
He added that ongoing reforms have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence, noting that the sector accounts for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
Stakeholders at the summit expressed optimism that sustained implementation of these reforms would position Nigeria as a leading maritime logistics hub on the continent.
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