DANTSOHO CREDITS FEDERAL REFORMS, OYETOLA’S LEADERSHIP FOR MARITIME SECTOR GAINS.

DANTSOHO CREDITS FEDERAL REFORMS, OYETOLA’S LEADERSHIP FOR MARITIME SECTOR GAINS.
By our Correspondent

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says ongoing federal government reforms and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, are driving transformation in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho assured investors that increased private sector participation, combined with strategic government policies, remains critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential. He stressed that Nigeria’s port system must be properly harnessed to serve as a major driver of economic growth and regional trade.

Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa given its strategic location, market size, and economic strength, Dantsoho noted. He expressed concern that the country currently handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, showing that potential remains underutilised.

To reposition the sector, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is implementing far-reaching reforms. 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.

Dantsoho added that the NPA is actively encouraging private sector participation through project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve efficiency. The goal, he explained, is to enhance port efficiency, improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand Nigeria’s non-oil export base to boost revenue generation.