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Tag: Dantsoho

  • Dantsoho hosts UAE Consul-General to strengthen ports development, trade

    Dantsoho hosts UAE Consul-General to strengthen ports development, trade

    Following Nigeria’s participation at the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Sustainability, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has received the Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Al-Jaberi, at the NPA Headquarters in Marina, Lagos to strengthen ports development, economic growth and expand trade volumes, particularly in the non-oil sector.

     The meeting comes on the heels of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, aimed at exploring strategic collaboration in ports development, maritime logistics and digital solutions.

     Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Dantsoho said that on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the NPA is committed to consolidating synergies with Abu Dhabi to expand trade volumes, particularly in the non-oil sector.

     “On the directive of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and our amiable Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, we are poised to consolidate our synergies with Abu Dhabi as we work to grow trade volumes, especially in the non-oil sector,” Dantsoho said.

    In his response, the Consul-General of the UAE, Salem Al-Jaberi, described Nigeria and Abu Dhabi as strategic partners and expressed readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

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    “Nigeria and Abu Dhabi have become strategic partners, and we are ready to double bilateral and trade relations in the days ahead,” he said.

    The meeting, which was also attended by the Executive Directors of the NPA — Mrs. Vivian Richard-Edet (Finance and Administration), Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Engineering and Technical Services) and Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Marine and Operations) — ended with a renewed commitment to explore the full range of trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

    The duo reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in ports development, maritime logistics and related sectors, in line with ongoing efforts to boost trade, enhance efficiency and support economic growth in both countries.

  • How blue economy can boost job creation in Africa, by Dantsoho

    How blue economy can boost job creation in Africa, by Dantsoho

    Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has urged operators and  regulators of maritime activities in West and Central African sun-region to prioritise the Blue Economy to boost job creation and take African nations and its people out of the woods.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony 45th Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) held in Pointe-Noire, Congo, yesterday, Dantsoho said, the resolutions from the week-long meeting will shape policy formulation and implementation and  help government of member states to manage their economies and maintain financial stability.

    He said: “This convergence of West and Central African talent to generate ideas for optimising opportunities inherent in our maritime and demographic endowments will not only give direction to policy formulation, but will embolden government action, as the decisions and the communique arising from this meeting will be given the seriousness they deserve”.

    Dantsoho, who is also the current President of PMAWCA, highlighted the interconnectedness and interdependence of African nations and urged the regulators, operators and the other stakeholders in the maritime industry across the continent to cooperate and work together for the collective advancement of the economies of their states and seaports across the region.

    He applauded the unity of purpose demonstrated by Directors-General and Chief Executives of member ports, describing their contributions as “remarkable.”

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    Dantosho, who was represented by the General Manager Corporate Affairs and Communication, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara said, he was happy based on the level of enthusiasm, goodwill and altruism displayed by the delegated and experts during the technical sessions and deliberations and concluded that ports within the sub-region are well-positioned to confront future challenges with renewed hope and confidence.

    His words: “ I have always looked forward to a time in the life of the African community when we all collaborate and act in good faith in pursuit of the greater good of our dear Africa.

    On behalf of all of us at PMAWCA, he said, “ I thank you immensely for lending your time and expertise to advancing the frontiers of trade and prosperity by deploying your efforts, energies and experience to formulate ideas that will enable us, as a sub-region, to maximize the potentials of our maritime sector.

     “Judging from the goodwill, enthusiasm and altruism that pervaded the technical sessions and meetings—as evidenced by the robust cross-fertilisation of ideas, I am persuaded that the Ports of West and Central Africa are poised to face the future with confidence.”

    He added that Africa’s geographical and economic realities demand stronger integration and cooperation, especially given the rapidly evolving global maritime environment.

    He expressed gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Congo for their hospitality in hosting the Council, and commended the Secretary-General of PMAWCA, Mr. Koffi Jean Marie, as well as the Port of Pointe-Noire team and other partners for their excellent coordination.

     Dantsoho urged the delegates and experts at the meeting to sustain the momentum of collaboration by invoking the popular words of global industrialist Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

  • Dantsoho sets agenda for African port growth

    Dantsoho sets agenda for African port growth

    Against the backdrop of his inauguration as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has outlined his key priorities for advancing port development across the continent.

    Speaking after his inauguration at the just concluded World Ports Conference,with the theme: “Reinvention and Prosperity in Turbulent Times”, held in Kobe City, Japan, Dantsoho said his focus will be on effective policy implementation, enhanced collaboration, strengthened cooperation, and improved trade facilitation within Africa’s port sector.

    It could be recalled that African ports play a critical role in global trade but face challenges such as infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistency, and limited technological adoption.

    However, the NPA MD said unified action among African port authorities and stakeholders to address challenges facing African ports would be central to his leadership agenda at the IAPH.

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    According to him, his administration, through the deployment of port innovativeness will capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments.

    “This responsibility has fired up my resolve more than ever before to be the vanguard of galvanising national and regional policy action steps geared towards institutionalising ports’ eco-friendliness in line with the dictates of IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program.

    “Reinvention and prosperity in turbulent times through the deployment of port innovativeness to capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments is a global exigency that the world can most efficiently surmount if IAPH members speak with one voice through renewed collaboration and cooperation.”

    The NPA boss further stated that he will champion full automation of African ports to eliminate trade barriers.

    “I intend to deploy my current role as President of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC) to more intentionally promote collaboration and cooperation.

    “Cognisant of the catalytic role of automation as the linchpin of ports’ efficiency and sustainability, I intend to infuse greater action behind the necessity of full automation of African Ports as the most veritable tool for elimination of barriers to trade,” he said.

  • Dantsoho sets agenda for African port growth

    Dantsoho sets agenda for African port growth

    Against the backdrop of his inauguration as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has outlined his key priorities for advancing port development across the continent.

    Speaking after his inauguration at the just concluded World Ports Conference, themed “Re-invention and Prosperity in Turbulent Times”, held in Kobe City, Japan, Dantsoho said his focus will be on effective policy implementation, enhanced collaboration, strengthened cooperation, and improved trade facilitation within Africa’s port sector.

    It could be recalled that African ports play a critical role in global trade but face challenges such as infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistency, and limited technological adoption.

    However, the NPA MD said unified action among African port authorities and stakeholders to address challenges facing African ports would be central to his leadership agenda at the IAPH.

    According to him, his administration, through the deployment of port innovativeness, will capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments.

    “This responsibility has fired up my resolve more than ever before to be the vanguard of galvanising national and regional policy action steps geared towards institutionalising ports’ eco-friendliness in line with the dictates of IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program.

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    “Reinvention and prosperity in turbulent times through the deployment of port innovativeness to capture tangible, sustainable investment returns in high-risk environments is a global exigency that the world can most efficiently surmount if IAPH members speak with one voice through renewed collaboration and cooperation.”

    The NPA boss further stated that he will champion full automation of African ports to eliminate trade barriers.

    “I intend to deploy my current role as President of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC) to more intentionally promote collaboration and cooperation.

    “Cognisant of the catalytic role of automation as the linchpin of ports’ efficiency and sustainability, I intend to infuse greater action behind the necessity of full automation of African Ports as the most veritable tool for elimination of trade barriers,” he said.

  • PRAN hails Dantsoho for transforming seaports into economic growth drivers

    PRAN hails Dantsoho for transforming seaports into economic growth drivers

    The Port Reforms Advocacy Network (PRAN) has applauded the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, for his visionary leadership, which it said has repositioned Nigeria’s seaports as engines of economic growth and global competitiveness.

    In a statement on Friday signed by its president, Prince Chijioke Adimora, PRAN praised Dantsoho’s commitment to modernising port infrastructure and digitising operations, describing the move as a “game-changer” for trade facilitation and non-oil export growth.

    Adimora noted that the figures Dantsoho presented at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly underscored the impact of ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s port system.

    According to the NPA boss, seaports’ efficiency contributed to a 19.6 per cent rise in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025, highlighting the central role of maritime gateways in driving Nigeria’s economy.

    “This achievement underlines the importance of having competent leadership in sensitive institutions like the Nigerian Ports Authority. What Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has done in less than two years in office is nothing short of remarkable. He has not only reformed operational procedures but has also restored investor confidence in our seaports,” Adimora said.

    The PRAN president added that the NPA’s ongoing investment in smart digitalisation reflects a bold step into the future, where paperless transactions, e-tag verification, and electronic call-up systems will replace outdated, cumbersome processes that once slowed down trade. 

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    He noted that the introduction of new electronic barrier systems across Lagos Port Complex terminals is already improving traffic flow and access control, while the expansion of electronic platforms is reducing cargo dwell time and boosting efficiency.

    “Through Dantsoho’s leadership, we are seeing a genuine transition towards leaner, greener and more efficient operations. The reduction of waste and emissions, coupled with improved intermodal connectivity, means Nigeria is gradually building a sustainable maritime sector capable of competing on the global stage,” Adimora said.

    PRAN further commended the NPA’s plan to launch a Port Community System by the first quarter of 2026, describing it as a critical milestone that will deepen collaboration among stakeholders, integrate data and transactions, and open new opportunities for trade.

    Adimora noted that sustainability had become a guiding principle for modern port systems, and expressed satisfaction that the NPA under Dantsoho is championing initiatives such as shore-to-ship emission reduction at Lekki Port. 

    “This forward-thinking approach not only protects the environment but also ensures Nigeria remains aligned with international best practices in maritime operations,” he said.

    The group also lauded the commissioning of state-of-the-art tugboats and marine crafts to support operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport, the Dangote Refinery, and the Dangote Fertiliser Plant. 

    According to PRAN, this demonstrates the NPA’s readiness to service mega facilities that are central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

    “Dantsoho’s focus on long-term viability, efficiency, and competitiveness ensures that our ports will remain the pride of West Africa. The commissioning of new marine crafts at Lekki Deep Seaport, combined with the capacity to handle super post-panamax vessels, is positioning Nigeria as a hub for regional and international trade,” Adimora said.

    He urged stakeholders in the maritime and trade sectors to rally behind the reforms spearheaded by Dantsoho, stressing that the gains in non-oil exports must be consolidated to reduce Nigeria’s over-dependence on crude oil revenue.

    “Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has shown the right mix of vision, competence, and dedication in steering the NPA. The results are clear: improved trade facilitation, renewed investor confidence, and growth in non-oil exports. For us at PRAN, this is the pathway to real economic diversification, and we commend him for delivering tangible results,” Adimora concluded.