Nigeria Takes Center Stage In Regional Maritime Affairs, As Dantsoho Secures Chairmanship Of PMAWCA

Nigeria Takes Center Stage In Regional Maritime Affairs, As Dantsoho Secures Chairmanship Of PMAWCA

By Prince Benson Davies

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, was elected Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), a groundbreaking achievement. He is the first Nigerian to hold the position.

This milestone is a testament to Nigeria’s efforts to reform its maritime sector and promote regional cooperation.
As Managing Director of NPA, Dantsoho has played a crucial role in driving growth and development in Nigeria’s ports. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in promoting the country’s port economy, and his election as Chairman of PMAWCA is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the industry.

In his new role, Dantsoho will work closely with other member states to address common challenges and opportunities, promoting the growth and development of the maritime industry in West and Central Africa. His vision for regional maritime growth is expected to have a significant impact on the industry.
Details of Dantsoho’s educational background reveal that he holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maiduguri, a master’s degree in international transport from the University of Wales, and a PhD in maritime technology from John Moores University, just as his extensive experience in the maritime industry and his academic achievements make him an ideal candidate to lead the PMAWCA.

In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho, who was elected at the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of Directors General of PMAWCA in Conakry-Guinea, said the recognition represents a significant milestone in the continuing march of West and Central Africa Maritime states towards global competitiveness and delivery of world-class services.
He added that the Nigerian government’s commitment to a revolutionary turnaround of Nigeria’s maritime industry has been characterized by reforms in critical segments of the industry, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitization, and automation.
These measures, he said, would undoubtedly boost operational efficiency as well as revenue generation, while augmenting the federal government’s efforts to diversify the economy by boosting non-oil exports.
Speaking further, he said: “It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before my friends from the countries of West and Central Africa today to accept the mantle of leadership of our great association, PMAWCA, and to serve as its chairman.
“I would like to seize this occasion to affirm Nigeria’s will and determination clearly demonstrated by the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to sustain the momentum established by my predecessor, Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director of Gabon Ports Authority, and to continue to strive to further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and actualize the interests of member ports,” he stated.
While calling for collaboration among member states, he said it is only through robust commitment and collaboration that mandates can be achieved.
“Therefore, I will be seeking your usual cooperation and advice in helping to ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region in general.

“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity,” he concluded.