By Gloria Ikibah
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, is set to join the Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Almenhali, for high-level talks on “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade” at the Investopia Global Lagos forum on Monday, 2 February 2026.
The NPA confirmed its participation in the landmark event, holding at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, describing it as a major step in strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE–Nigeria co-hosted gathering is expected to bring together senior government officials, global investors and industry leaders to unlock investments across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems and secure supply chains — all seen as critical drivers of Africa’s long-term economic growth. 
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the NPA said the Lagos meeting builds directly on the momentum generated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE.
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s mid-January 2026 trip to Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), yielded significant outcomes, including the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the UAE.
The agreement, the NPA noted, is designed “to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.”
On the sidelines of the visit, President Tinubu also announced that Nigeria would co-host Investopia in Lagos in February 2026, with the aim of attracting global investors and translating bilateral commitments into concrete opportunities.
Dr Dantsoho will feature prominently on the panel session titled “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade”, alongside Almenhali of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
The discussion will focus on upgrading ports, strengthening trade corridors and expanding digital infrastructure to position Nigeria as West Africa’s leading trade gateway, while leveraging UAE expertise to develop resilient and future-ready maritime systems.
Reiterating its strategic focus, the NPA said it “remains committed to advancing efficient, competitive, and sustainable port operations that support national trade growth and regional integration”.
The Authority said that it looks forward to “fruitful discussions and partnerships that will unlock new opportunities for Nigeria and Africa,” in line with the strategic agreements reached during President Tinubu’s recent engagement with the UAE.
The Investopia Global Lagos event will also host a wide array of influential speakers, including Dr Jean Fares, Chief Executive Officer of Investopia; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole; UAE Minister of Investment and Executive Chairman of Lunate, H.E. Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FIRST E&P; Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; and Femi Otedola, Chairman of First HoldCo, among others from the energy, finance and investment sectors.
