By Steve Agbota
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has been announed as the first Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
The recognition came during the closing ceremony of the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of Directors General of PMAWCA in Conakry, Guinea.
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho said the recognition represents a significant milestone in the continuing progress of West and Central African maritime states 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 segments of the sector, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure development, digitisation, and automation.
These measures, he stated, would undoubtedly boost operational efficiency and revenue generation, while supporting the federal government’s efforts to diversify the economy by enhancing non-oil exports.
“It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before my friends from the countries of West and Central Africa today to accept the mantle of leadership of our great association, PMAWCA, and to serve as its chairman. I would like to seize this occasion to affirm Nigeria’s will and determination, clearly demonstrated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to sustain the momentum established by my predecessor, Mr Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director of Gabon Ports Authority, and to continue to put all efforts needed in order to further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and to actualise the interests of member ports,” he said.
While calling for collaboration among member states, Dantsoho said it is only through robust commitment and cooperation that mandates can be achieved.
“Therefore, I will be seeking your usual cooperation and advice in helping to ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region in general.
“Recalling our deliberations at the Board of Directors meeting, the need to relocate the PMAWCA headquarters to a more visible and befitting place in Lagos, Nigeria, the training needs of the Association, and the PCS is dear to my heart, and I will do my very best in this direction to achieve these goals,” he said.
In a statement congratulating Dantsoho, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said Dantsoho’s election is a testament to the fact that the effort to turn around the port economy in Nigeria is being recognised by global stakeholders.
Oyetola said the recognition would further fuel Nigeria’s effort to reclaim its maritime global relevance under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that the President’s political will to create the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“I congratulate Dantsoho on his election. It is a responsibility that I am sure he can deliver on. His election has proven the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to turn around the port economy by creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry was a step in the right direction.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to create the Ministry is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector. This decision is not only a demonstration of the President’s deep understanding of the economic possibilities of the sector but also a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a key maritime player globally.
“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 maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry, therefore, reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity,” he said.