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Dantsoho heralds FG’s commitment to broader investments in ports’ development at Investopedia Summit
Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has expressed the federal government’s commitment to promoting increased investor participation in ports development while highlighting steps taken to boost the productivity levels of all the nation’s maritime gateways.
Speaking recently during the Investopedia forum held in Lagos with stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and Lagos State Government,Dr. Dantsoho highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnerships
The NPA MD stated the federal government’s recent moves at making Nigeria a leading ports destination in Africa through modernisation and rehabilitation .
He added that Nigerian ports are investment ready with copious opportunities for productive public private partnerships like the successful venture seen in the Lekki Deep Seaport and others.
According to him, federal government’s modernisation programmes like the National Single Window (NSW) which goes live by end of 2026 first quarter; approvals for ports rehabilitation and truck electronic access are ways the government has demonstrated commitment to the port sector.
The NPA MD also listed approvals given for the commencement of virgin port projects in Badagry, Olokola ,Bonny and others as a demonstration of the Nigerian government readiness to make her ports fertile grounds for local and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA),Dr Dantsoho emphasised that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing transparency and reliability across maritime and logistics value chains.
He said,the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to development and strategic partnerships, as it showcased its vision for resilient, efficient, and future ready port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit.
The strategic panel, themed “Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade”, also featured Mohamed Almenhali, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, focusing on port modernization, corridor connectivity, and deployment of digital trade infrastructure. Tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-truck) were highlighted for their role in enhancing efficiency, reducing congestion, and improving compliance in cargo movement from ports to inland depots.
The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
According to Dantsoho , Nigeria’s size and location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and providing access to landlocked markets. The NPA MD emphasised the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and reduce congestion at ports.
The summit builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. President Tinubu’s announcement of Lagos as the co-host city for Investopia reflects Nigeria’s commitment to attracting global capital and translating bilateral agreements into actionable investments.
He underscored that mobilising private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks, alongside strategic partnerships with global investors like the UAE, will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a hub for regional and global trade.
He reaffirmed its commitment to advancing port reforms, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable maritime practices, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development and investment that will transform its ports into a driver of regional integration and economic growth.
Other speakers included the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; CEO of Investopia, Dr. Jean Fares; UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; business leaders Femi Otedola and Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and the President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu.
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, warning that such activities pose grave risks to lives and violate both national and international laws.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that the recent media investigations and security reports revealed that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Many of the victims were reportedly deployed to active combat zones after being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.
“Recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship,” the Ministry noted.
In some cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories.
The Nigerian government unequivocally warned citizens against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions endanger lives and may contravene laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
“Individuals who engage in such activities outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the Ministry emphasised.
To curb the trend, the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate developments and intensify public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.
Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.
The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, reiterating that citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign armed conflicts under any circumstances.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents.
The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the popular food market, destroying goods and leaving many traders counting their losses.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and expressed deep concern over the impact on livelihoods.
President Tinubu said he had reached out to Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a firsthand-situation report on the disaster.
“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, especially coming less than two weeks after another fire outbreak at the same market. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” the President was quoted as saying.
He directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the causes of the repeated fires, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences.
“The recurring market fires that leave our hardworking traders in despair must be addressed decisively. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and recommend lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
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