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By Steve Agbota
The election of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as the first Nigerian Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) is a defining moment for Nigeria and the region’s maritime industry.
His unanimous election at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Directors General Roundtable in Conakry, Guinea recently, signals both recognition of Nigeria’s maritime reforms and confidence in Dantsoho’s dynamic leadership.
With over 400 delegates from 20 countries in attendance, the event marked a triumph for Nigeria. Many delegates lauded Dantsoho’s capacity to reposition PMAWCA, describing his leadership as a pivotal step toward realizing the association’s goals. This accomplishment reflects the Federal Government’s bold reforms in the maritime sector, which are already driving significant progress under Dantsoho’s leadership of the NPA.
PMAWCA: A pillar of regional cooperation
Established in 1972 under the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), PMAWCA serves as a critical platform for collaboration among seaports from Mauritania to Angola. Spanning a coastline of approximately 12,000 kilometers, its 24 regular and 8 associate member ports handle an estimated 300 million tons of trade annually. The association fosters cooperation and knowledge sharing to deliver efficient, competitive, and safe port services while supporting the region’s economic growth.
Dantsoho’s visionary agenda
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho pledged to build on the association’s legacy while driving innovation and collaboration across the region. He emphasized that his election reflects Nigeria’s commitment to maritime modernization through infrastructure development, digitization, and automation.
“This moment is not just about my election but about the collective vision of PMAWCA to achieve global competitiveness and deliver world-class services,” Dantsoho remarked. “The Nigerian government’s reforms, championed by the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that the maritime sector becomes a key driver of economic diversification and growth.”
He called for unified efforts among member states, stressing that collaboration is vital to achieving shared objectives. “I will seek your unwavering cooperation and guidance to advance the maritime sector across West and Central Africa,” he added.
Supporting landlocked nations
In addressing the unique challenges faced by landlocked countries, Dantsoho advocated for enhanced connectivity through international highways, rail networks, and technological solutions. With 16 of the world’s 44 landlocked nations located in Africa, he urged coastal states to prioritize seamless access to the sea.
“It is a moral obligation for coastal states to ensure efficient and cost-effective service delivery to our landlocked neighbors,” he said. He highlighted ongoing efforts such as the ECOWAS-backed Abidjan-Lagos Highway project, which will connect key economic hubs and ports across the region. Dantsoho also emphasized the need for regulatory harmonization, joint infrastructure investments, and multilateral agreements to facilitate trade and improve logistics efficiency.
FG’s endorsement
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, congratulated Dantsoho on his historic election, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing stature in global maritime circles. “Dr. Dantsoho’s election underscores the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes transforming Nigeria’s port economy through visionary leadership and innovative reforms,” Oyetola stated.
He added, “The creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a landmark decision that demonstrates the President’s deep understanding of the sector’s untapped potential. With Nigeria’s strategic location and vast coastline, we are uniquely positioned to lead Africa’s maritime renaissance.”
Collaboration for regional competitiveness
The Managing Director of Port Autonome de Conakry, Mamadou Biro Diallo, amplified the importance of connectivity between ports and hinterlands, describing ports as “catalysts for growth” that must extend their impact beyond coastal areas.
“Optimising port-hinterland services requires an integrated vision of connectivity, fluidity, and reliability,” Diallo said. “Collaboration between public and private stakeholders, sustainable infrastructure investment, and technological adoption are key to building efficient supply chains that benefit both local economies and global trade.”
Roadmap for success
Dantsoho’s plans for PMAWCA include relocating the association’s headquarters to Lagos for enhanced visibility, addressing training needs, and modernizing operational systems such as Port Community Systems (PCS). He also emphasized the importance of best practices in terminal operations, joint emergency response planning, and fostering partnerships for security, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“By leveraging the collective strengths of member states, we can achieve increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved competitiveness across the region,” Dantsoho stated. “Ensuring seamless connectivity between ports and hinterlands is essential for global freight circulation and economic development.”
Vision of unity and progress
Dantsoho’s election as PMAWCA Chairman represents a turning point for Nigeria and the region. His visionary leadership, coupled with Nigeria’s reforms and regional collaboration, is poised to unlock the full potential of West and Central Africa’s maritime industry. As PMAWCA enters a new chapter, the commitment to innovation, infrastructure, and unity will serve as the cornerstone of its success.
The huge achievement reflects not only Nigeria’s maritime progress but also the enduring power of regional cooperation in driving sustainable development across Africa.
