Dantsoho Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Expanding Investments in Port Development at Investopia Summit

Ugbede James Ankpa

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting increased investor participation in port development, while outlining measures aimed at boosting productivity across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.

Dr. Dantsoho made this known while speaking at the Investopia Forum held recently in Lagos, which brought together stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Lagos State Government. He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnerships that would strengthen the nation’s port infrastructure and logistics ecosystem.
According to the NPA Managing Director, recent actions by the Federal Government are targeted at positioning Nigeria as a leading port destination in Africa through sustained modernisation and rehabilitation of port facilities. He noted that Nigerian ports are now investment-ready, offering vast opportunities for productive public-private partnerships, similar to the successful Lekki Deep Sea Port initiative and other ongoing projects.
He explained that key modernisation programmes, including the National Single Window (NSW), scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2026, approvals for port rehabilitation, and the introduction of an electronic truck access system, clearly demonstrate the government’s commitment to reforming and strengthening the port sector.
Dr. Dantsoho further disclosed that approvals have also been granted for the commencement of greenfield port projects in locations such as Badagry, Olokola, Bonny, and other areas, underscoring the Federal Government’s determination to make Nigerian ports attractive destinations for both local and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he stressed that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving transparency and reliability across maritime and logistics value chains.
He stated that the NPA has once again reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to development and strategic partnerships, as the Authority showcased its vision for resilient, efficient, and future-ready port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit.
The strategic panel session, themed “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” also featured the Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Almenhali, who spoke on port modernisation, corridor connectivity, and the deployment of digital trade infrastructure. Tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-truck) were highlighted for their roles 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, brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
Dr. Dantsoho noted that Nigeria’s size and strategic location position the country as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the AfCFTA and providing access to landlocked markets. He stressed the need for integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and reduce congestion at ports.
He added that the summit builds on the momentum generated by 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 a co-host city for Investopia, he said, reflects Nigeria’s resolve to attract global capital and convert bilateral agreements into actionable investments.
Dr. Dantsoho underscored that mobilising private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks, alongside strategic collaborations with global investors such as the UAE, would strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a hub for regional and global trade.
He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to advancing port reforms, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable maritime practices, noting that Nigeria is ready to embrace development and investment that will transform its ports into catalysts for regional integration and economic growth.
Other speakers at the summit included Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Chief Executive Officer of Investopia, Dr. Jean Fares; UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; business leaders Femi Otedola and Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and the President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu.