Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), says Nigeria’s vision is to be the maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa, particularly under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dantsoho made this known on Tuesday in Lagos at the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) maritime and logistics sector event.
The NPA boss, who was represented by Mr Sheyi Iyawe, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Planning, NPA, noted that the AfCFTA was viewed by many as a threat to Nigerian ports.
He said that this was because it sought to collapse all trade barriers within the continent.
Dantsoho, however, stated that for a seaport to maintain its market position, it should improve its competitive strategy to stay ahead of its rival ports.
According to him, it should respond to new requirements of shipping lines and other port users, and consequently adapt to the dynamics of shipping and port operations.
“Seaport competitiveness is largely driven by factors such as strong institutions, infrastructure and macroeconomic environment.
“Efforts of the NPA to improve ports competitiveness include port modernisation projects, national single window, automation of operations, truck e-call up system, development of several deep seaports among others.
“In the quest for our nation to optimise the benefits from AFCFTA, there is no gainsaying that ports play a pivotal role as a nodal point in international logistics.
“This requires strategic collaboration of every player in the port system for this to be actualised,” he said.
The President, NBCC, Mr Ray Atelly, said that, as Africa moved towards deeper economic integration through AfCFTA, port efficiency and competitiveness played a defining role in Nigeria’s economic growth and regional leadership.
Atelly noted that Nigeria’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea presented a unique opportunity to position its ports as the preferred gateway for trade in West Africa.
He stressed the need to confront pressing challenges ranging from infrastructural bottlenecks and regulatory inefficiencies to digital transformation and intermodal connectivity.
“If we are to enhance our competitiveness, we must embrace reforms that drive efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Our collective goal is to build a modern, technology-driven port system that meets international standards, attracts investment and facilitates seamless trade across the region.
“This requires strong collaboration between government, regulatory agencies, port operators, and private sector players to establish Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse,” Atelly said.
Mr Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), said that upgrading Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce turnaround times and position Nigeria’s ports as regional trade hubs.
Sunmola noted that digital transformations through integrated port community systems and a single-window clearance mechanism would streamline processes, improve transparency and boost trade efficiency.
He called for collaborative public – private partnerships to mobilise investments for infrastructural upgrades and digitalisation to transform the ports.
“With AfCFTA opening new trade opportunities, Nigerian ports must evolve into regional gateways.
“Investing in innovation and strategic policy measures will ensure our ports remain competitive and drive economic integration across Africa,” he said.
