The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has expressed confidence that Nigeria is well-positioned to dominate Africa’s blue economy.
He assured investors of sustained improvements driven by policy reforms and growing private sector participation in Nigeria.
He also tied the current transformation in Nigeria’s maritime sector to sweeping federal government reforms and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola.
He spoke at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he emphasised that the nation’s port system remains central to unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth.
Nigeria, he advised, must urgently realign its economic priorities to fully harness its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
He said:“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.”
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, large population and economic strength give it a natural advantage to emerge as a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to leading global maritime nations.
“By virtue of our strategic location, market size and economic strength, Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa,” he added.
He expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, even though it accounts for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (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 shows we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.
He assured that the situation is changing, noting that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the sector.
He listed key initiatives to 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.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
He emphasised that private sector participation remains critical, adding that the NPA is actively promoting project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve operational efficiency.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already enhancing efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
The reforms are expected to improve port efficiency, strengthen connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth, he said.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he added.
He further noted that competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, stressing that Nigerian ports must remain adaptable to evolving global shipping trends.
According to him, with sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.