Nigerian ports investment-ready for productive public private partnerships — NPA MD

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting increased public-private partnerships in Nigerian port development, while highlighting steps taken to boost the productivity levels of all the nation’s maritime gateways.

Speaking on Monday during the Investopedia forum held in Lagos with stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and Lagos State Government, Dantsoho highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnerships.

The NPA MD stated the federal government’s recent moves to make Nigeria a leading port destination in Africa through modernisation and rehabilitation.

He added that Nigerian ports are investment-ready with copious opportunities for productive public-private partnerships like the successful venture seen in the Lekki Deep Seaport and others.

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According to him, the federal government’s modernisation programmes like the National Single Window (NSW), which goes live by the end of 2026, first quarter; approvals for port rehabilitation and truck electronic access are ways the government has demonstrated commitment to the port sector.

The NPA MD also listed approvals given for the commencement of virgin port projects in Badagry, Olokola, Bonny and others as a demonstration of the Nigerian government’s readiness to make its ports fertile grounds for local and foreign investors.

Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA), Dr Dantsoho emphasised that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing transparency and reliability across maritime and logistics value chains.

He said the NPA has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to development and strategic partnerships, as it showcased its vision for resilient, efficient, and future-ready port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit.

The strategic panel, themed ‘Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade’, also featured Mohamed Almenhali, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, focusing on port modernisation, corridor connectivity, and deployment of digital trade infrastructure.

Tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-truck) were highlighted for their role in enhancing efficiency, reducing congestion, and improving compliance in 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 Dantsoho, 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.

Other speakers included the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; CEO of Investopia, Dr. Jean Fares; UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; business leaders Femi Otedola and Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and the President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu.