- Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho made history as the first Nigerian elected chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa
- Dantsoho emphasized Nigeria’s port reforms, including modernization and digital systems, as key to enhancing competitiveness in the maritime sector
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has made history as the first Nigerian elected chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
His election was announced during the 44th annual council meeting and the 19th Directors-General roundtable, which were held in Conakry, Guinea.
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho called the achievement a milestone for West and Central African maritime states. He highlighted its significance in advancing global competitiveness and enhancing service delivery in the region’s maritime sector.
He credited Nigeria’s strides in the industry to the government’s ongoing reforms, including port modernisation, infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of digital and automated systems.
According to him, these efforts boost efficiency, increase revenue, and support the government’s push to diversify the economy through non-oil exports.
Dantsoho praised the dedication of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He pledged to maintain the momentum established by his predecessor, Mr. Martin Boguikuoma, while driving progress in the sector.
In a congratulatory message, Minister Oyetola described Dantsoho’s election as proof of Nigeria’s growing recognition in the global port economy.
He affirmed that the nation’s ongoing reforms positively impacted the industry and resonated with international stakeholders.