NPA Boss Calls For Stronger African Maritime Collaboration

Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has urged member nations of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) to strengthen regional cooperation to fully harness Africa’s maritime potential.

Speaking at the association’s 45th annual council meeting in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, Dantsoho — represented by NPA’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara — said collaboration would drive socio-economic growth through the blue economy.

He noted that the region’s shared resources and maritime advantages should serve as a foundation for sustainable development. Dantsoho highlighted climate and energy, data sharing, and risk resilience as key focus areas for transforming port operations.

Reaffirming commitments made at the World Port Conference in Japan, he emphasized the need for policy alignment, cooperation, and trade facilitation to boost competitiveness across Africa.

“The waters that connect our countries remind us of our duty to work together for the good of all,” he said, calling for resilient port infrastructure, improved security, and transparency.

He also commended the Republic of Congo for hosting the event and praised PMAWCA’s efforts in fostering cross-regional dialogue and innovation in maritime governance.