Dantsoho Credits Oyetola, FG Reforms for Maritime Sector Transformation

By Our Correspondent

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has attributed the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector to the impact of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside ongoing federal government reforms.

Dantsoho also assured investors that Nigeria has the capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy, pointing to sustained reforms and increased private sector participation as major drivers of growth and transformation within the maritime sector.
He gave this assurance while speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, where he emphasised that Nigeria’s port system would play a critical role in unlocking strategic investments and accelerating economic development.
According to him, the country must urgently redirect its economic priorities towards fully harnessing its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” Dantsoho said.
He further explained that Nigeria’s strategic location, large population, and economic strength position it to emerge as a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global leaders such as Singapore and Morocco.
“By virtue of our strategic location, market size and economic strength, Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa,” he added.
Despite these advantages, Dantsoho expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he noted.
However, he assured investors that the situation is improving, as the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is implementing comprehensive reforms to reposition the sector.
He listed key initiatives to include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports, and full digitalisation of port operations.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
Dantsoho emphasised that private sector investment remains central to achieving these objectives, noting that the NPA is actively promoting project financing to bridge infrastructure deficits and improve efficiency.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the reforms are designed to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs, and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he explained.
Dantsoho stressed that global competitiveness in the maritime industry depends on efficient operations, competitive pricing, and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must remain responsive to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted Nigeria’s natural advantages, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, as key assets for leadership in the sector.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that federal government reforms have enhanced coordination, strengthened maritime security, and boosted investor confidence, noting that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.