NPA Assures Investors Nigeria Can Lead Africa’s Blue Economy.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to emerge as a dominant force in Africa’s Blue Economy, assuring investors that ongoing Federal Government reforms are repositioning the nation’s ports into a major maritime and logistics hub on the continent.
Speaking at the recently concluded Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the country’s port system remains central to unlocking strategic investments and driving sustainable economic growth.
Dantsoho explained that recent policy reforms and increased private sector participation are transforming the maritime sector, attributing the progress to the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
He recalled that the government has, in recent years, embarked on extensive port reforms focused on modernising infrastructure and upgrading facilities across the nation’s seaports. According to him, the reforms have significantly improved operational efficiency while reducing costs.
The NPA boss also highlighted the recent deployment of the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window (NSW), describing them as critical digital platforms designed to integrate port operations and cut delays and operational costs by more than 50 per cent.
“Nigeria must urgently redirect its economic focus toward fully harnessing the enormous opportunities within the Blue Economy in line with global sustainability goals,” Dantsoho stated.
He stressed that the country’s marine resources and strategic location position Nigeria to become a leading maritime hub not only in West Africa but across the African continent, comparable to established global maritime centres such as Singapore and Morocco.
“Given Nigeria’s strategic location, market size and economic strength, the country is naturally positioned to serve as a maritime hub for West Africa and the wider African continent,” he said.
Despite these advantages, Dantsoho expressed concern that Nigeria currently accounts for only about 25 per cent of regional cargo traffic, despite contributing more than 60 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“It is concerning that Nigeria controls over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP yet handles just 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This indicates that the country has not fully maximised its maritime potential,” he noted.
He, however, assured investors that the situation is changing as the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, intensifies efforts to reposition the sector through far-reaching reforms.
According to him, major initiatives currently underway include port modernisation, implementation of the Trade Single Window and Port Community System, development of deep seaports and the full digitalisation of port operations.
“We are pursuing strategic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigerian ports for global competitiveness through modernisation, digitalisation and improved trade facilitation systems,” he added.
Dantsoho further emphasised the importance of private sector investment in bridging infrastructure gaps and enhancing port efficiency, noting that the NPA remains open to project financing partnerships.
“We welcome private sector participation through project financing arrangements, which are already improving efficiency and expanding access to funding for critical infrastructure projects,” he stated.
He explained that the reforms are expected to strengthen liner connectivity, attract larger vessels, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, thereby increasing national revenue generation.
“The ultimate objective is to improve connectivity, lower freight costs, attract bigger vessels and expand Nigeria’s export capacity for sustainable revenue growth,” he said.
The NPA Managing Director also stressed that sustaining competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient port operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must continue adapting to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment to these reforms, Nigeria’s port system is on course to enter a new phase of growth and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Earlier, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Gboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s vast maritime assets, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, provide a solid foundation for leadership in Africa’s Blue Economy sector.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to unlock the enormous potential of the marine and blue economy,” the minister stated.
Oyetola further noted that ongoing improvements in coordination, maritime security governance and investor confidence have strengthened the sector, which currently accounts for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade volume.
About The Author
