NPA MD Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho Tours Lagos Ports, Emphasizes Investment, Modernization
NPA MD Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho Tours Lagos Ports, Emphasizes Investment, Modernization
…….. Assures return of Nigeria to IMO
NPA Managing Director,Dr.Abubakar Dantsoho
By Frank Odinukaeze
In a longstanding tradition, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, embarked on an operational tour of the Lagos ports of Apapa and TinCan Island. This tour marks the beginning of his tenure, aimed at familiarizing himself with the facilities and engaging with stakeholders to discuss the future direction of the NPA.
Dr. Dantsoho highlighted the significant reforms that have taken place since 2006, which saw the NPA transition from handling both cargo and shipping operations to focusing solely on the shipping side. This shift allowed private operators to take over cargo operations, leading to the establishment of terminal operators such as APM Terminals and Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) in Apapa, and Five Star Logistics in TinCan Island. These operators have been instrumental in improving infrastructure and equipment, although Dr. Dantsoho acknowledged that there is still much to be done to achieve the NPA’s goals.
One of the key objectives of these reforms is to attract private sector investment to enhance port infrastructure without relying on public funds. Dr. Dantsoho emphasized the importance of continuing to build on these improvements and fostering better relationships with terminal operators to accelerate progress. He also mentioned the government’s efforts to implement the Port Community System (PCS), which will eventually integrate into a national single window system, streamlining port operations and enhancing efficiency.
3rd from Right: Dr Abubakar Dantsoho flanked by NPA management team, during his tour of Lagos ports on Wednesday, November,27 ,2024
Dr.Dantso emphasized the need for a more efficient cargo management system, especially for containerized freight, noting that 2 million containers currently coming to Nigeria, a nation with over 200 million population, is grossly inadequate. He, therefore, charged the shipping lines to prioritize shipment to Nigeria.
“We are taking advantage of our population, because we can’t have 200 million people and have only 2 million containers. 2 million containers is not even enough for 20 million people of Lagos state. So that means that most of the cargo coming to Nigeria comes through either the borders via smuggling, or they come on trucks, via trailers, or some of them come to Nigeria through our pockets.
“You can go to Ghana and buy something and put it in your pocket. You come here with it, it’s transportation. Taking advantage of the population is key. God has blessed us with a very huge population, which is almost 65% or 70% youth, and then our capacity to buy, that is purchasing power, is bigger than most of the countries in West and Central Africa, we also have a democracy that is very robust”the NPA boss asserted.
On the international front, Dr. Dantsoho addressed Nigeria’s recent demotion to a non-category member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He outlined the country’s campaign to regain its Category C status, which is crucial for maintaining Nigeria’s influence and importance in the global maritime community. With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the backing of the West and Central Africa region, Nigeria is working diligently to secure the necessary votes for re-election to this prestigious position.
Dr. Dantsoho’s election as the chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in the region. He expressed optimism that this role would help Nigeria garner the support needed to achieve its international maritime objectives.
Dr. Dantsoho’s tour of the Lagos ports underscores the NPA’s commitment to modernization, increased investment, and international collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s maritime sector.
