Reforms, Oyetola’s leadership driving maritime transformation — Dantsoho

This Video Is Trending Right Now →

Key points

• NPA boss credits federal reforms and ministerial leadership for sector transformation.
• Nigeria targets dominance in Africa’s blue economy through port modernisation and investment.
• Private sector participation identified as key to unlocking maritime potential.

Main story

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has attributed the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector to reforms driven by the Federal Government and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho said Nigeria is well-positioned to dominate Africa’s blue economy, citing its strategic location, large market size, and ongoing reforms as critical enablers.

He emphasised that the country’s port system remains central to unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth, urging a shift towards maximising marine resources.

“The time has come for a paradigm shift… our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.

Dantsoho noted that despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic, a gap he described as evidence of underutilised potential.

The issues

Nigeria’s maritime sector has long grappled with inefficiencies, infrastructure deficits, and limited competitiveness compared to regional and global hubs.

Challenges such as port congestion, high freight costs, and inadequate digital systems have constrained the country’s ability to fully capitalise on its strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea.

What’s being said

Abubakar Dantsoho highlighted several reform initiatives being implemented by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

These include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, introduction of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports, and full digitalisation of port operations.

He stressed that private sector funding is essential to bridging infrastructure gaps, noting that project financing is already improving efficiency.

“We are open to private sector participation… this approach is improving efficiency and providing access to funding,” he said.

On his part, Adegboyega Oyetola said Nigeria’s 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways position it as a natural leader in the blue economy.

He added that reforms have enhanced coordination, improved maritime security, and boosted investor confidence, with the sector accounting for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.

What’s next

The Federal Government is expected to sustain reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, expanding infrastructure, and attracting larger vessels.

Increased private sector investment and digital transformation of port operations will likely remain central to efforts to reposition Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.

Bottom line

Nigeria’s maritime sector is undergoing a reform-driven transition, with strong potential to lead Africa’s blue economy. However, realising this ambition will depend on sustained policy implementation, infrastructure investment, and improved operational efficiency.