Determined to position Nigerian ports to benefit from increased intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has announced strategic steps to enhance port competitiveness.
Dantsoho made this known during his presentation at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Maritime and Logistics event in Lagos on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Themed “Improving the Competitiveness of Nigerian Ports in an Era of Regional Integration,” the event emphasized the need for Nigerian ports to remain viable amid regional trade liberalization.
With the dismantling of trade barriers across Africa, intra-African trade is expected to rise significantly.
It is, therefore, imperative for Nigerian ports to remain competitive and retain their gateway traffic. He reiterated NPA’s vision to become the maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa.
Dantsoho underscored the pivotal role of ports in international logistics, emphasizing that port costs significantly influence freight expenses and, ultimately, market prices.
To optimize Nigeria’s AfCFTA benefits, he stressed the necessity of efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders.
Port competitiveness, he explained, hinges on institutions, infrastructure, and macroeconomic factors.
Strong institutions provide a stable regulatory framework, while modern infrastructure enhances operational efficiency and long-term viability. Investments in inland terminals, logistics zones, and rail networks can expand a port’s influence beyond its traditional hinterland.
Additionally, macroeconomic factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and economic stability impact trade flows and investment in ports.
Dantsoho expressed gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for supporting NPA’s modernization initiatives.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to revamp aging infrastructure at the six major ports, excluding the newly developed Lekki Deep Seaport.
He revealed that the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex are pilot sites for the modernization project.
Aiming to streamline operations, NPA is working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a digital collaborative platform to enhance information exchange among port stakeholders, reduce paperwork, and simplify administrative processes.
Emphasizing the importance of automation, Dantsoho noted that modern Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes require strong quay aprons for efficient container handling.
He stressed that automation would significantly reduce vessel turnaround time, improving efficiency and competitiveness.
He also highlighted the impact of Lekki deep seaport, which has boosted cargo and vessel traffic, particularly transshipment operations.
He further mentioned ongoing deep seaport projects in Badagry, Ibom, and Calabar, expressing confidence that skilled manpower at these new ports will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
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