Posted on February 4, 2026
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to attracting increased investor participation in port development, while outlining measures aimed at improving productivity across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Dantsoho spoke at the Investopia forum held in Lagos, which brought together stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and the Lagos State Government.
He said Nigeria is positioning itself to embrace development partnerships through the sustained modernisation and rehabilitation of its port infrastructure.
According to him, recent federal initiatives are geared towards making Nigeria a leading port destination in Africa.
He noted that Nigerian ports are investment-ready, offering significant opportunities for public-private partnerships, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport as a successful example.
The NPA managing director highlighted ongoing modernisation programmes, including the National Single Window, which is expected to become operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
He also referenced approvals for port rehabilitation projects and the introduction of electronic truck call-up systems as evidence of government commitment to reforming the port sector.
Dantsoho further disclosed that approvals have been granted for the development of new ports in locations such as Badagry, Olokola, and Bonny, describing the projects as part of efforts to create a more attractive investment environment for both local and foreign investors.
On the African Continental Free Trade Area, he said modern and resilient ports, supported by integrated logistics systems, are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and strengthening transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.
He added that the NPA has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strategic partnerships by presenting its vision for efficient and future-ready port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit.
The strategic panel session, themed “Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” also featured the Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Almenhali. Discussions focused on port modernisation, corridor connectivity, and the deployment of digital trade infrastructure, including port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System, aimed at reducing congestion, improving compliance and enhancing cargo movement from ports to inland depots.
The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
According to him, Nigeria’s size and location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and providing access to landlocked markets. The NPA MD emphasised the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and reduce congestion at ports.
The summit builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.
President Tinubu’s announcement of Lagos as the co-host city for Investopia reflects Nigeria’s commitment to attracting global capital and translating bilateral agreements into actionable investments.
He underscored that mobilising private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks, alongside strategic partnerships with global investors like the UAE, will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a hub for regional and global trade.
He reaffirmed its commitment to advancing port reforms, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable maritime practices, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development and investment that will transform its ports into a driver of regional integration and economic growth.
