…as NPA boss links sector gains to policy changes
…says country is poised to lead Africa’s marine economy
By Gloria Ikibah 
Nigeria’s maritime sector is gaining fresh momentum, with reforms and policy direction credited for a steady transformation that is now attracting investor confidence.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, pointed to recent government interventions and the leadership of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola as key factors behind the sector’s renewed progress.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho projected strong prospects for the country, arguing that Nigeria is well positioned to take a leading role in Africa’s emerging blue economy.
He highlighted ongoing reforms, coupled with growing private sector involvement, as major drivers reshaping the maritime space and opening up new investment opportunities.
According to him, the nation’s port system remains central to unlocking economic potential, serving as a gateway for trade expansion and broader growth.
He also emphasised the need for a strategic shift in focus, urging greater commitment to developing marine resources in line with global sustainability trends.
With its geographic advantage, population size and economic weight, Nigeria, he noted, has the potential to evolve into a major maritime hub in West Africa, on par with some of the world’s leading port economies.
He said: “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.
“By virtue of our strategic location, market size and economic strength, Nigeria is well-positioned to function as the maritime hub for West Africa“.
Despite these advantages, Dantsoho expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the region, even though it accounts for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s 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,” he said.
The NPA Boss assured investors that the sector is beginning to shift in a positive direction, driven by sweeping reforms being rolled out by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to reposition the industry.
He pointed to a range of key initiatives already underway, including efforts to modernise port infrastructure, introduce a unified trade window, establish a port community system, expand deep seaport development and fully digitise port operations.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
Dantsoho stressed that private sector funding remains central to achieving these goals, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve efficiency.
“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 said.
He added that the reforms are designed to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he noted.
Dantsoho stressed that competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must remain adaptive to evolving global shipping trends.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said Nigeria’s natural endowments, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, place it in a strong position to lead the sector.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that reforms by the federal government have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence, noting that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
