In an ambitious push to transform Nigeria into Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, revealed a bold vision aimed at revolutionizing port services across the continent. He disclosed that the Authority is determined to harness the burgeoning opportunities within Africa’s maritime sector, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to explode intra-African trade and shift the region’s economic dynamics.
Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Maritime and Logistics event in Lagos on March 4, 2025, Dantsoho outlined NPA’s strategy to establish Nigeria as the centerpiece of African trade. The event, themed “Improving the Competitiveness of Nigerian Ports in an Era of Regional Integration,” was a stage for Dantsoho’s clear message: Nigeria cannot afford to miss out on the rapidly expanding trade flows in Africa.
Dantsoho warned that, with the impending collapse of trade barriers and the rise of competition from other African ports, Nigeria’s ports must rapidly evolve to maintain their status as the region’s primary gateway for goods and services. “If we don’t adapt, we risk losing significant traffic to rival ports that are better positioned to capitalize on AfCFTA,” he said, emphasizing the urgency for transformation.
Central to NPA’s strategy, according to Dantsoho, is the undeniable role that ports play in global logistics. He made it clear that port costs significantly affect freight rates, which ultimately determine the prices consumers pay for goods. This makes it critical for Nigerian ports to become not just competitive but world-class.
To achieve this lofty goal, Dantsoho stressed the importance of collaboration across the entire port ecosystem. “Port competitiveness isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about building strong institutions, creating efficient infrastructure, and fostering a stable macroeconomic environment,” he explained.
He painted a picture of a future where Nigeria’s ports boast cutting-edge infrastructure that drives operational efficiency, expands trade influence beyond traditional hinterlands, and reduces transport costs—paving the way for greater regional and global competitiveness. Key investments in inland terminals, logistics zones, and rail networks are central to this vision, with Dantsoho underscoring the need for a collaborative effort from both public and private sectors to achieve these ambitious goals.
Finally, the NPA MD pointed out the undeniable link between a country’s macroeconomic stability and its port performance. Inflation, exchange rates, and overall economic stability are pivotal factors that influence trade flows and attract investments. “For Nigerian ports to remain competitive, we must stabilize our macroeconomic environment,” Dantsoho said.
As the clock ticks down to AfCFTA’s full rollout, Dantsoho’s words serve as both a warning and a rallying cry. Nigeria has an unprecedented opportunity to rise as Africa’s maritime powerhouse—but only if it acts swiftly and decisively to elevate its ports to the global stage.
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