Dantsoho Reaffirms FG’s Commitment To Port Modernisation, Seeks More Private Investments

Dantsoho Reaffirms FG’s Commitment To Port Modernisation, Seeks More Private Investments

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding investments in Nigeria’s ports sector, describing the nation’s maritime gateways as fully prepared for increased local and foreign investor participation.
Dr. Dantsoho made this known at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, a high-level forum held in Lagos and attended by stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lagos State Government, and the private sector. He said the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness across all Nigerian ports.
According to him, ongoing reforms and modernization initiatives are aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading port destination in Africa. He noted that Nigerian ports now offer significant opportunities for viable public-private partnerships, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a successful example of such collaborations.
The NPA Managing Director highlighted key government initiatives, including the National Single Window (NSW), which is expected to go live by the first quarter of 2026, approvals for port rehabilitation projects, and the deployment of electronic truck access systems to ease congestion and enhance cargo movement.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the development of new, greenfield port projects in Badagry, Olokola, Bonny, and other locations, describing the move as a clear signal of Nigeria’s readiness to attract long-term investments into the maritime sector.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and ensuring transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.
He said the NPA used the Investopia Global Lagos Summit to showcase Nigeria’s vision for future-ready port infrastructure, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to strategic development partnerships.
The strategic panel, themed “Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” featured key industry leaders, including Mohamed Almenhali, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group. Discussions focused on port modernization, corridor connectivity, and the use of digital trade infrastructure such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-Truck) to reduce congestion and improve compliance.
Dr. Dantsoho noted that Nigeria’s size and strategic location make it a natural gateway for West African trade, supporting AfCFTA and providing access to landlocked countries. He stressed the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland dry ports to improve trade flows.
The summit followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. President Tinubu’s designation of Lagos as a co-host city for Investopia, he said, reflects Nigeria’s determination to attract global capital and translate bilateral agreements into concrete investments.
Dr. Dantsoho underscored that mobilizing private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a regional and global trade hub.
Other speakers at the summit included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Investopia CEO, Dr. Jean Fares; UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; business leaders Femi Otedola and Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and Africa Finance Corporation President and CEO, Samaila Zubairu.