Posted on April 23, 2026
By Fredrick Ameh
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has sought the expertise and collaboration of Belgium in Nigeria’s proposed port modernisation.
This was made known when the NPA MD hosted the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, at the NPA Headquarters in Marina on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The high-level meeting focused on a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating infrastructural investment across Nigeria’s existing and deep-sea ports.
Central to the discussions was the integration of Belgian maritime expertise to modernize aging facilities and streamline cargo evacuation.
The collaboration prioritizes technological integration by adopting Antwerp-style Smart Port digital solutions to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.
It also targets infrastructure financing by facilitating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the expansion of port berths and rail linkages.
Additionally, the deal emphasizes green shipping through the implementation of sustainable dredging practices to align Nigerian maritime operations with international environmental standards.
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that the partnership is a cornerstone of the NPA’s Port Renewal Agenda, aimed at regaining lost transit cargo from neighboring landlocked nations.
“Nigeria is open for business. By aligning with Belgium, we are not just buying equipment; we are importing a culture of efficiency that will make our ports the preferred destination in the Gulf of Guinea,” Dr. Dantsoho stated.
Ambassador Leenknegt reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment, noting that Nigeria’s growing economy represents a blue chip opportunity for European maritime investors seeking stable, long-term growth.
