NPA MD Says FG Modernising Ports To Attract Investment
Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director (MD) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), says the federal government is committed to promoting increased investor participation in port development.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Dantsoho spoke at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, where he engaged stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Lagos state government on development partnerships in the port sector.
The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the UAE, brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
He said the federal government has taken deliberate steps to position Nigeria as a leading port destination in Africa through port modernisation and rehabilitation initiatives.
According to the MD, Nigeria’s ports are “investment-ready,” with multiple opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs), citing the Lekki Deep Seaport as a model of successful collaboration.
“Federal government’s modernisation programmes like the National Single Window (NSW) which goes live by end of 2026 first quarter; approvals for ports rehabilitation and truck electronic access are ways the government has demonstrated commitment to the port sector,” Dantsoho said.
He also listed approvals given for the commencement of virgin port projects in Badagry, Olokola, and Bonny, describing them as further proof of the government’s readiness to open the maritime sector to both local and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the NPA boss said modern and resilient ports, supported by integrated logistics systems, are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.
The managing director said the authority used the Investopia summit to showcase its vision for efficient, resilient and future-ready port infrastructure, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strategic development partnerships.
“Nigeria’s size and location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and providing access to landlocked markets,” Dantsoho said.
He stressed the need for integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flows and decongest ports.
According to the statement, the summit builds on momentum from President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which both countries signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) covering renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade.
The MD said mobilising private capital through bankable projects, credible PPP frameworks and partnerships with global investors would strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a regional and global trade hub.
