PMAWCA 2025: Africa’s Port Growth Hinges on Collective Action — NPA Managing Director

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has stressed that Africa’s interconnectedness and interdependence make collaboration a crucial foundation for advancing port development across the continent.

Dr. Dantsoho made this known during the closing ceremony of the 45th Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), held in Pointe-Noire, Congo.

Speaking in his capacity as President of PMAWCA, Dantsoho expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm, goodwill, and spirit of selflessness displayed during the technical sessions and deliberations, noting that such unity positions ports in the sub-region to tackle emerging challenges with renewed confidence.

Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the NPA boss said the resolutions reached during the week-long meeting would help shape policies and reinforce government actions among member states.

He said:

> “On behalf of all of us at PMAWCA, I thank you immensely for lending your time and expertise to advance the frontiers of trade and prosperity. Your efforts, energies, and experience in formulating ideas will enable us as a sub-region to maximize the potentials of our maritime sector.

> “I have always envisioned a time when African nations collaborate and act in good faith for the greater good of our dear continent. Judging by the goodwill and robust exchange of ideas throughout the sessions, I am convinced that the Ports of West and Central Africa are ready to face the future with confidence.”

Dantsoho reaffirmed that Africa’s geographical and economic realities call for deeper cooperation and integration, especially in the fast-evolving global maritime landscape.

He expressed appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Congo for their warm hospitality, and commended the PMAWCA Secretary-General, Mr. Koffi Jean Marie, as well as the Port of Pointe-Noire management and partners for their seamless organization of the event.

The NPA boss also lauded the unity and commitment of Directors-General and Chief Executives of member ports, describing their inputs as “remarkable.”

Assuring participants of the implementation of the Council’s key resolutions, Dantsoho stated:

> “This convergence of West and Central African talents to harness our maritime and demographic strengths will guide policy formulation and embolden government action. The decisions and communique from this meeting will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

As the conference concluded, Dantsoho encouraged delegates to maintain the momentum of cooperation, invoking the words of global industrialist Henry Ford:

> “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”