NPA Woos Investors, Says Nigeria Ready To Dominate Africa’s Blue Economy

The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has assured investors that Nigeria is well-positioned to dominate Africa’s blue economy.

Dantsoho who gave the assurance at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, cited sweeping reforms by the federal government and growing private sector participation as key drivers of transformation in the maritime sector.

The NPA Boss who highlighted the critical role of Nigeria’s port system in unlocking strategic investments and accelerating economic growth attributed the ongoing transformation in the sector to the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as broader federal government reforms aimed at repositioning the maritime industry for global competitiveness.

According to him, Nigeria must urgently refocus its economic priorities toward fully harnessing its vast marine resources in line with global sustainability goals.

“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,” Dantsoho said.

He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, large market size and economic strength give it a strong advantage to emerge as a maritime hub for West Africa, comparable to global shipping centres.
Despite these advantages, the NPA boss expressed concern that Nigeria currently handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in the West African region, even though it accounts for over 60 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (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.

He, however, noted that the outlook is improving, as the federal government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is implementing far-reaching reforms to reposition the sector.

Dantsoho listed key initiatives to include port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports and full digitalisation of 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.

He emphasised that private sector investment remains central to achieving these objectives, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve operational 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.
According to him, the reforms are designed to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports, ultimately strengthening revenue generation.

“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 added.

Dantsoho stressed that competitiveness in the global maritime industry depends on efficient operations, competitive pricing and strong hinterland connectivity, noting that Nigerian ports must remain adaptive to evolving global shipping dynamics.

“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, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s natural endowments, including its 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways, position the country to take a leading role in 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 ongoing reforms have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence, noting that the maritime sector accounts for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.