NPA MD Predicts Bright Future for Nigerian Ports, Forecasts 30% Trade Volume Growth

NPA MD Predicts Bright Future for Nigerian Ports, Forecasts 30% Trade Volume Growth

By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has projected a 30% growth in trade volume by 2030, driven by ongoing improvements in port infrastructure, according to the Managing Director of NPA, who spoke at the 2024 Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) conference and award held in Apapa, Lagos.

The Managing Director, NPA, Dr. Dentsoho, shared insight in a paper titled:
“Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Ports Infrastructural Development: The NPA Perspective” at the conference, Dr. Dantsoho highlighted the vast investment opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy, which he noted to include areas like the development of inland waterways, expansion of port infrastructure, and maritime technology solutions. The conference had as its theme: “Nigeria’s Maritime/Blue Economy Industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New?”

Represented by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, Dr. Dentsoho described the blue economy as a pivotal driver of sustainable development, disclosing that the government has created an enabling environment for investments through policy reforms, incentives, and partnerships with international organisations.

“The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.”

With Nigeria’s 853-kilometer coastline and extensive inland waterways, the nation is uniquely positioned to harness these resources for economic diversification,” he said.

Dr. Dantsoho stressed the huge potential for economic expansion and diversification in these sectors. NPA is at the forefront of advancing the sector by ensuring efficient port operations, adopting eco-friendly technologies, generating significant national revenue, and enhancing maritime security.

The NPA’s strategic focus, he said, aligns with the federal government’s “Renewal Hope initiative to drive growth and sustainability in the maritime industry

Key sectors of the blue economy identified by the NPA boss include maritime transport, Marine Renewal Energy, Shipbuilding and Repair, Marine Living Resources, Coastal Tourism, and Desalination
These sectors are crucial for the growth and development of the blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth to improve livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

He said the growth would be achievable through strategic investments and partnerships that would drive efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in port operations.

In order to realize these lofty objectives,
Dantsoho said the NPA is adopting a multi-pronged funding approach, including increased government budgetary allocations for critical port projects and harnessing public-private partnerships (PPPs) expertise and funding.

Others he identified for potential collaboration were the development banks and global agencies, channelling revenue generated by ports back into infrastructure and service improvements.

Additionally, he acknowledged the existence of several hurdles that required attention facing the maritime sector, such as infrastructure deficits, funding inadequacies, and security concerns.

He pointed out the significant prospects for growth and development in these sectors
include accelerated investments in port infrastructure, strengthened maritime security through collaborations with global organizations, and policy reforms to attract both foreign and domestic investors.

He reiterated NPA’s dedication to propelling the blue economy and establishing Nigeria as a premier maritime hub in West Africa and Central Africa, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy supervision.