Nigeria Ports Authority Repositions for AFCTA, Hails Minister Oyetola’s Support

Nigeria Ports Authority Repositions for AFCTA, Hails Minister Oyetola’s Support

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has embarked on a strategic repositioning of the country’s ports to tap into the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA), with Dantsoho expressing gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Gboyega Oyetola, for his steadfast support and guidance throughout this process.

Dantsoho stated this in Lagos, recently while speaking on the theme “Improving the Competitiveness of Nigerian Ports in an Era of Regional Integration” at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Maritime and Logistics event.

He emphasized that the anticipated collapse of trade barriers across Africa will significantly boost intra-African trade.

To ensure that Nigerian ports take full advantage of the anticipated increase in intra-African trade as the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime takes root, he announced, the agency is taking steps to enhance the competitive strategy and leadership position of Nigerian ports in the African continent.

Affirming NPA’s vision, which is to be the Maritime Logistics Hub for sustainable port services in Africa, he said Nigerian ports must reposition to remain competitive and not lose their gateway traffic status to other ports.

“In the quest for our nation to optimize the benefits accruable from AFCFTA, there is no denying that port plays a pivotal role as a nodal point in international logistics. Given the fact that port cost is a significant component of freight cost, which ultimately affects the prices of goods in the market, this speaks to the imperativeness for our ports to be competitive and efficient.”

Therefore, he implored all strategic
players in the port system to join efforts with the NPA to ensure the actualization of this goal.
Speaking further on the quality of infrastructure, he explained that it affects transport costs, trade efficiency, and overall competitiveness.

Therefore, investments in inland terminals, logistic zones, and rail networks can expand a port’s influence beyond its traditional hinterland and bring about efficiency that makes the port competitive, he explained.

Similarly, the NPA MD noted that the macroeconomic environment of a country is intricately linked to its ports’ performance and competitiveness, saying factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and economic stability influence trade flows and investments.

The NPA boss further disclosed that NPA, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is working towards the actualization of this project.

“The Port Community System (PCS) is envisaged to culminate into the National Single Window (NSW) for maximum efficiency and competitiveness,