The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has described port modernisation as critical to Nigeria’s economic expansion and trade competitiveness in Africa.
Dantsoho stated this in an interview with journalists following his appointment as the Regional Vice President for Africa of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).
He explained that while cargo handling operations in Nigeria had been concessioned to private terminal operators, the NPA remained responsible for navigation, safety and maintenance of port channels.
According to him, Nigeria’s large population and status as Africa’s biggest economy demand a more efficient and modern port system.
He said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and ongoing reforms under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had provided the institutional backing needed to transform the nation’s ports.
Dantsoho noted that many of Nigeria’s major ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, were outdated and constrained by shallow draughts, limiting their ability to accommodate modern vessels.
He said the operationalisation of the Lekki Deep Seaport, with a draught of 17 metres and automated systems, marked a major step toward addressing these challenges, adding that plans were underway to develop more deep seaports.
The NPA boss observed that neighbouring West African countries had invested earlier in deeper and more modern ports, leading to cargo diversion from Nigeria.
He, however, described the situation as an opportunity for growth, noting that ongoing reforms and investments would reposition Nigerian ports for competitiveness.
Dantsoho said the IAPH was supporting developing countries through initiatives aimed at closing infrastructure and technology gaps, in collaboration with development banks and international institutions.
He added that modern ports would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to support agriculture, mining and export-driven growth, while attracting foreign investment.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to establish additional deep seaports through partnerships, with the aim of developing world-class facilities comparable to global maritime hubs.
