Stakeholders in the maritime sector have commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), described Dantsoho’s appointment as merit- based because he is an astute administrator who has gone through all strategic departments of NPA.
He said Dantsoho’s dedication, commitment, determination, discipline, and steadfastness earned him the position, having served in various capacities in the past.
He pledged the support of the Union to the new NPA Managing Director, and promised to partner with him as he assumes office in the foremost maritime parastatal in the country.
Also speaking, a former President of the NPA Senior Staff Association, Comrade Pire Park Maidanbe expressed his excitement at Dantsoho’s appointment, which he said, marks the return of professionalism to the agency.
“At least for a long time now, we have not had an insider appointed. We are delighted, and we believe he is going to achieve much because an insider knows the work, knows what is at stake, and the development required for the success of the industry,” Maidanbe said.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), highlighted that unlike his predecessors, Dantosho is an insider with extensive NPA experience.
Amiwero emphasised the need for legal reforms to properly position the NPA within the port sector, ensuring effective operations and oversight.
Also speaking, Kayode Farinto, former acting National President of the Association of National Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), expressed confidence in Dantosho’s ability to perform exceptionally well, given his familiarity with the NPA and the maritime industry.