Tag: Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has expressed the federal government’s commitment to promoting increased investor participation in ports development while highlighting steps taken to boost the productivity levels of all the nation’s maritime gateways.

Speaking during the Investopedia forum held in Lagos with stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and Lagos State Government Dantsoho highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnerships

He stated the Federal Government’s recent moves at making Nigeria a leading ports destination in Africa through modernisation and rehabilitation.

Dantsoho added that Nigerian ports are investment ready with copious opportunities for productive public private partnerships like the successful venture seen in the Lekki Deep Seaport and others.

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According to him, federal government’s modernisation programmes like the National Single Window (NSW) which goes live by end of 2026 first quarter; approvals for ports rehabilitation and truck electronic access are ways the government has demonstrated commitment to the port sector.

He listed approvals given for the commencement of virgin port projects in Badagry, Olokola ,Bonny and others as a demonstration of the Nigerian government readiness to make her ports fertile grounds for local and foreign investors.

Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), Dantsoho emphasised that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing transparency and reliability across maritime and logistics value chains.

He said the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to development and strategic partnerships, as it showcased its vision for resilient, efficient, and future ready port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit.

The strategic panel, themed “Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade”, also featured Mohamed Almenhali, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, focusing on port modernization, corridor connectivity, and deployment of digital trade infrastructure. Tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-truck) were highlighted for their role in enhancing efficiency, reducing congestion, and improving compliance in cargo movement from ports to inland depots.

The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.

According to him , Nigeria’s size and location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and providing access to landlocked markets. The NPA MD emphasised the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and reduce congestion at ports.

The summit builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. President Tinubu’s announcement of Lagos as the co-host city for Investopia reflects Nigeria’s commitment to attracting global capital and translating bilateral agreements into actionable investments.

He underscored that mobilising private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks, alongside strategic partnerships with global investors like the UAE, will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a hub for regional and global trade.

He reaffirmed its commitment to advancing port reforms, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable maritime practices, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development and investment that will transform its ports into a driver of regional integration and economic growth.

In his bid to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has appointed seven new port managers in the country who will add value to NPA’s operations.

The NPA MD announced the appointment of new port managers last Friday in Lagos.

Mr Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim is to serve as Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, while Mr. Abubakar Sani Isa is the Port Manager, Tin Can Island Port.

Also appointed are Mr. Abdulrahman Hussaini, for Onne Port; Mr. Sa’adu Dahiru Mohammed, Delta Ports Warri; Mr. Ekine Ibifiri Alex for Calabar Port; and Mr. Emmanuel Anda was posted to Lekki Port as Port Manager.

The Port Manager of Rivers Port, Mrs Kenechi Edith Okezie (Rivers Port) has been retained. The new appointments are with immediate effect, according to the statement.

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Dantsoho said, “The Port Managers are expected to drive the vision of the Authority to provide a safe, secure, and customer-friendly environment for port operations. They will also manage day- to- day port operations by delivering port services necessary for ship reception and departures while they serve as a link between the Authority and shipping communities”.

The Port Managers have also been charged with other responsibilities. They are expected to supervise the operations of Terminal Operators in line with the Standard Operating Procedures as contained in the Lease Agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

They will also administer the operations of the Export Processing Terminals (EPT) to actualize the overriding objectives of the renewed export orientation of the Federal Government.

They are to coordinate the logistics around the Port Corridor as well as interface with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure seamless entry and exit of Exports, Imports, and Empty Containers from the ports. The Port Managers were also tasked to motivate employees to work effectively and efficiently to actualize the Ports Key Performance Indicators.

Meanwhile, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has assured that the NPA was ready to provide the support necessary to fast track the automation of truck traffic for Onne before the end of this quarter.

The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deeming it fit to appoint a professional, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho from within the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to head the Authority.

STOAN Chairman, Princess Vicky Haastrup in a statement yesterday, also congratulated  Dantsoho on his appointment as the new Managing  Director of NPA.

Haastrup expressed confidence in the ability of the new NPA Managing Director to reposition the Authority for improved efficiency and increased revenue generation.

“On behalf of the Seaport

Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), we extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Abubakar Dantsoho on his well-deserved appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority. The appointment is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and expertise in the industry.

“I have no doubt that he will excel in leading the Nigerian Ports Authority to greater heights. His leadership and vision will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Authority and the industry as a whole.

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“We celebrate this well-deserved appointment and welcome Dr Dantsoho’s leadership. His expertise and vision will undoubtedly propel NPA and the ports forward,” Princess Haastrup said, in the statement

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho was appointed as NPA Managing Director by President Bola Tinubu on 12th July 2024. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various positions within NPA, including Assistant General Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Port Manager at Onne Port, and Principal Manager of Tariff & Billing.

The new MD holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University, both in the United Kingdom.