Stakeholders Set Agenda For West, Central Africa’s Maritime Reawakening

Stakeholders in the West and Central African maritime sector have set an agenda for growth as a Nigerian, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, recently emerged as the first Nigerian Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).

According to the stakeholders, the region, among other measures, need a sustained pursuit and completion of the international highway and rail routes cutting across Hinterland and coastal, such as the Niger, Lagos, Tema and Abidjan, to ensure service provision to the landlocked states efficiently and at reduced cost noting that out of the 44 landlocked countries globally, Africa accounts for 16. The stakeholders submitted that there is, therefore, a moral duty for the coastal states to provide access to the sea for the landlocked countries.

Also, they said that in doing this, there should be sustained and sincere agenda to the creation of common international rail routes cutting across Hinterland and coastal states.

The stakeholders also want the member countries to leverage each other’s strengths to improve trade facilitation to landlocked countries. They emphasised the need to share ideas and information on technological advancements that can enhance service delivery and technological connectivity between littoral states to expedite transit cargo transportation, particularly where multiple water transits are required within the subregion.

The stakeholders said the proposed Abidjan to Lagos highway by ECOWAS Heads of State, which will link the most economically dynamic cities and ports and the most densely populated urban areas in West Africa, is a welcome development, adding that it is essential to establish multilateral agreements and trading partnerships with neighbouring coastal countries and other regional partners on infrastructure planning, which involves coordinating investments in port infrastructure and transportation networks.

The managing director of the Port Autonome de Conakry, Mamadou Biro Diallo, said ports are vital global trade hubs and growth catalysts. He said, “But for this growth to be truly beneficial, it must extend beyond the port interface into the Hinterland. This is where logistics chains’ connectivity and fluidity play a decisive role. Connectivity between the ports and the Hinterland is based on a varied infrastructure network, including roads, railways and sometimes waterways. That’s why the Port Autonome de Conakry is taking pride in these challenges, which also involve supporting the development efforts of hinterland countries by offering quality services. Optimising port hinterland services requires an integrated vision of connectivity, fluidity and reliability. This requires strong collaboration between public and private players, a commitment to sustainable investment in infrastructure and greater adoption of new technologies.

Together, we can meet these challenges and build more efficient supply chains that will support local economies and global trade,” he stated.

The new chairman, Dantsoho, was unanimously selected at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Directors General Roundtable in Conakry, Guinea. Over 400 delegates from 20 countries attended the event.
Founded in 1972 under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), PMAWCA said it is a vital platform for collaboration among seaports from Mauritania to Angola. With a coastline of approximately 12,000 kilometres, its 24 regular and eight associate member ports handle an estimated 300 million tons of trade annually.

In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho said the recognition represents a significant milestone in West and Central African Maritime states’ continuing march towards global competitiveness and the delivery of world-class services.

He added that the Nigerian government’s commitment to a revolutionary turnaround of Nigeria’s maritime industry has been characterised by reforms in critical industry segments, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation, and automation.
“Therefore, I will seek your usual cooperation and advice to help ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region. Ports in the region, particularly the Shippers’ Councils, must continue working together. Sharing best practices for terminal operations and capacity utilisation, collaborating on rail, road and inland waterway connections, emergency response planning: Joint contingency planning for accidents or disruptions and engaging in diplomatic and cultural exchange programmes: Good relationships foster trust and cooperation.

In a statement to congratulate Dantsoho, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said Dantsoho’s election is a testament to the fact that global stakeholders are recognising the effort to turn around the port economy in Nigeria.

He said, “The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well-positioned to become a key hub for African maritime activities. Therefore, the creation of this Ministry reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity.”