By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to establish the maritime sector as a key economic pillar for the country.
The managing director of the authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made this announcement recently, expressing confidence in the sector’s potential to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy.
Dantsoho made the announcement following his nomination as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), slated for November.
Receiving NAGAFF officials led by its deputy national president, Afam Chukwuma, who paid him a courtesy call, the NPA chief acknowledged the crucial role stakeholders like NAGAFF play in the authority’s efforts at elevating the maritime industry.
“We have all it takes to make the maritime industry central to Nigeria’s economic future,” Dantsoho posited, adding that rapid expansion is needed to meet the demands of the country’s growing population.
“This growth in capacity must reflect both in the shipping and cargo sectors,” he noted, adding, “We are committed to exceeding our current performance and will deepen collaboration with NAGAFF to make this possible.”
As Nigeria’s population continues to rise, he said the NPA aims to strengthen its operational capacity and expand infrastructure to match the demands of increased maritime traffic, positioning the sector as a significant economic contributor in the coming years.
