The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to deepening private sector participation in port development while outlining measures taken to improve productivity across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.

Dantsoho spoke at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, where he engaged stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Lagos State Government, stressing Nigeria’s readiness to pursue strategic development partnerships. He said the federal government is positioning Nigeria as a leading port destination in Africa through sustained modernisation and rehabilitation of port infrastructure.

According to him, Nigerian ports are now investment-ready, offering vast opportunities for public-private partnerships, similar to the successful Lekki Deep Seaport model. He highlighted ongoing reforms such as the National Single Window (NSW), expected to become operational by the first quarter of 2026, alongside approvals for port rehabilitation projects and the introduction of electronic truck call-up systems to improve access and efficiency.

Dantsoho also disclosed that approvals have been granted for new greenfield port projects in Badagry, Olokola, Bonny, and other locations, further demonstrating the government’s resolve to attract both local and foreign investors to the port sector.

Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he emphasised that modern and resilient ports, supported by integrated logistics systems, are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and ensuring transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.

The NPA MD reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to development partnerships as the authority showcased its vision for efficient, resilient, and future-ready port infrastructure at the summit. The strategic panel session, themed “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” featured Mohamed Almenhali, Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, who focused on port modernisation, corridor connectivity, and digital trade infrastructure. Digital tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System were highlighted for reducing congestion, improving compliance, and enhancing cargo movement from ports to inland depots.

The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the UAE, brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.

Dantsoho noted that Nigeria’s size and strategic location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting AfCFTA and providing access to landlocked markets. He stressed the need for integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and ease congestion at ports.

The event builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. Tinubu’s decision to designate Lagos as a co-host city for Investopia underscores Nigeria’s determination to attract global capital and convert bilateral agreements into tangible investments.

Dantsoho concluded that mobilising private capital through bankable projects, credible public-private partnership frameworks, and strategic alliances with global investors will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a regional and global trade hub.