Dantsoho: Oyetola’s Reforms Driving Maritime Transformation
…Says Nigeria can dominate Africa’s blue economy
Editor
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has attributed the ongoing transformation of the nation’s maritime sector to the reforms initiated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Dantsoho, who gave the assurance at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, said Nigeria has the capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy through increased private sector participation and strategic federal government reforms.
He noted that the country’s port system is pivotal to unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth, adding that Nigeria must refocus its priorities to harness its marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
The NPA boss explained that Nigeria’s strategic location and economic strength position it to become a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global leaders like Singapore and Morocco.
However, he expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the sub-region, despite accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” Dantsoho said.
He assured investors that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is implementing far-reaching reforms to reverse this trend.
Key initiatives, according to him, include port modernisation, the deployment of a Trade Single Window, the implementation of a Port Community System, the development of deep seaports, and the full digitalisation of port operations.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he added.
Dantsoho further noted that the reforms aim to improve liner connectivity, attract larger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand the nation’s export base to boost revenue.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways place it in a prime position to lead the sector.
Oyetola noted that the federal government’s reforms have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security, and boosted investor confidence, stressing that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
