Dantsoho Sets Agenda for African Port Growth
By Comfort Chukwukelue
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has outlined his strategic priorities for advancing port development across Africa following his inauguration as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Speaking at the recently concluded World Ports Conference held in Kobe City, Japan, themed “Reinvention and Prosperity in Turbulent Times,” Dantsoho emphasized that his leadership would focus on effective policy implementation, enhanced collaboration, strengthened cooperation, and improved trade facilitation within the continent’s port sector.
He acknowledged the crucial role African ports play in global trade while highlighting persistent challenges such as infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistencies, and limited technological adoption. According to him, addressing these issues through unified action among African port authorities and stakeholders will be central to his agenda at the IAPH.
“This responsibility has fired up my resolve more than ever before to be the vanguard of galvanising national and regional policy action steps geared towards institutionalising ports’ eco-friendliness in line with the dictates of IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program,” Dantsoho said.
He stressed that achieving prosperity amid global uncertainties requires port innovation and sustainable investments, urging IAPH members to “speak with one voice through renewed collaboration and cooperation.”
As part of his vision, Dantsoho reaffirmed his commitment to driving full automation of African ports to boost efficiency and eliminate trade barriers.
“I intend to deploy my current role as President of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC) to more intentionally promote collaboration and cooperation,” he noted.
“Cognisant of the catalytic role of automation as the linchpin of ports’ efficiency and sustainability, I intend to infuse greater action behind the necessity of full automation of African ports as the most veritable tool for elimination of barriers to trade,” he added.
Dantsoho’s appointment as IAPH Vice President (Africa) marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the continent, positioning him to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of port operations and trade facilitation across Africa.
