The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says Africa cannot achieve meaningful port growth without deeper cooperation, arguing that the continent’s shared geography and interconnected economies make collaboration an unavoidable pathway for development.
Dantsoho, who also serves as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), stated this at the closing session of the Association’s 45th Annual Council in Pointe-Noire, Congo. He said the energy, goodwill and commitment displayed during the week-long engagements showed that ports across the sub-region are better prepared to confront emerging maritime challenges.
Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the NPA boss explained that the resolutions reached at the Council will have far-reaching effects on government policies and port administration across member states.
He said the active participation of delegates reflected a shared conviction to push the boundaries of trade, efficiency and prosperity within the region.
“I have always looked forward to a time when the African community collaborates in good faith for the greater good of our continent,” he said. “Judging from the cross-fertilization of ideas during the technical sessions, I am persuaded that ports in West and Central Africa are ready to face the future with confidence.”
Dantsoho stressed that Africa’s maritime reality demands stronger integration, especially as global trends continue to reshape port operations, logistics, climate response and trade competitiveness. According to him, regional collaboration remains the only route to building resilient ports capable of supporting the continent’s economic ambitions.
The NPA MD also thanked the government and people of the Republic of Congo for hosting the Council, and acknowledged the efforts of the PMAWCA Secretary-General, Koffi Jean Marie, the Port of Pointe-Noire management and other partners for what he described as seamless coordination.
He equally praised the unity and commitment shown by Directors-General and Chief Executives of member ports, noting that their contributions strengthened the outcomes of the meeting.
Promising that PMAWCA would follow through on its decisions, Dantsoho assured delegates that the communique and recommendations adopted will receive the required attention from member governments.
He added that the gathering had once again demonstrated the power of regional cooperation, referencing the words of industrialist Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
