Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been elected as the first Nigerian to serve as Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA). His historic election took place on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of Directors General of PMAWCA in Conakry, Guinea.
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho described his election as a significant milestone in the advancement of maritime states in West and Central Africa toward global competitiveness and world-class service delivery.
He emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to transforming its maritime industry through initiatives such as port rehabilitation, modernization, digitization, and automation. These efforts, he noted, aim to enhance operational efficiency, boost revenue generation, and support the federal government’s economic diversification strategy by increasing non-oil exports.
“It is with great honor 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,” Dantsoho said. “Nigeria’s will and determination, as demonstrated by Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the Honorable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, and in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will drive our shared vision for economic cohesion and the advancement of member ports.”
Dantsoho called for greater collaboration among member states to achieve the association’s mandates. He highlighted key priorities, including relocating PMAWCA’s headquarters to Lagos, Nigeria, expanding training opportunities, and addressing the association’s Port Community System (PCS).
“Robust commitment and collaboration are essential to achieving our goals,” he stated. “I will rely on your cooperation and advice to continue developing the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region.”
In a congratulatory statement, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, praised Dantsoho’s election as a reflection of global recognition for Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its port economy.
Oyetola attributed the achievement to President Bola Tinubu’s foresight in creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, underscoring the sector’s potential to transform Nigeria into a maritime powerhouse.
“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods,” Oyetola said. “With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well-positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. This election is further proof of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s impact on the maritime sector.”
Oyetola affirmed that the Ministry would continue to harness the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector to drive national prosperity and strengthen global relevance.
As the new PMAWCA Chairman, Dantsoho is poised to lead efforts that will consolidate economic integration, foster capacity building, and actualize the interests of member ports across the region. His leadership is expected to contribute to a stronger and more competitive maritime sector for West and Central Africa.
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