By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria is upscaling strategies to become Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) maritime and logistics sector event in Lagos on Tuesday.
Dantsoho, represented by the General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Planning, Sheyi Iyawe, rolled out the country’s strategic ambitions in port development and trade facilitation.
Addressing concerns that AfCFTA might pose a threat to Nigerian ports by eliminating trade barriers across the continent, Dantsoho emphasized the need for Nigerian ports to strengthen their competitive strategies to maintain their market position.
He expressed the necessity to respond to the shifting demands of shipping lines and port users while adapting to changes in the global maritime industry.
Competitiveness, he noted, is driven by strong institutional frameworks, robust infrastructure, and a stable macroeconomic environment.
To enhance Nigeria’s port competitiveness, he said the NPA has embarked on several modernization initiatives, including automation of port operations, the introduction of a national single window system, implementation of a truck e-call-up system, and the development of deep seaports.
These efforts aim to streamline port processes, reduce congestion, and improve overall efficiency, the MD said.
Highlighting the crucial role of ports in maximizing the benefits of AfCFTA, Dantsoho called for strategic collaboration among all stakeholders in the port system.
He stressed that achieving Nigeria’s vision as a maritime powerhouse requires cooperation between government agencies, port operators, and private sector players to foster a seamless trade environment.
NBCC President, Ray Atelly, also spoke on the significance of port efficiency and competitiveness in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and regional leadership.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s geographical advantage along the Gulf of Guinea provides a unique opportunity to become the preferred trade gateway in West Africa.
However, he emphasized the need to tackle infrastructural deficiencies, regulatory challenges, and the need for digital transformation to fully unlock the sector’s potential.
Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmola, advocated for upgrades to key ports, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne, to enhance cargo handling capacity and reduce turnaround times.
He stressed the importance of integrating digital solutions, such as port community systems and single-window clearance mechanisms, to improve efficiency and transparency.
Sunmola called for stronger public-private partnerships to mobilize investments in infrastructure and digitalization, ensuring that Nigerian ports evolve into regional trade gateways under AfCFTA.
He emphasized that innovation and strategic policies are essential to sustaining competitiveness and driving economic integration across Africa.
