Managing Director, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (second from right) takes over as first Nigerian President of PMAWCA formed in 1972.

By Francis Ezem

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, has in no small measures, opened a new vista for the country across the global maritime industry. Appointed in July 2024, Dr. Dantsoho made it clear that he would work under the close supervision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; H.E., Adegboyega Oyetola CON to reposition Nigeria’s seaports for greater efficiency and competitiveness. Dantsoho has kept faith with this promise, revolutionising a shift in Nigeria’s maritime sector, characterised by reforms in critical segments of the industry, such as port rehabilitation and infrastructure moderniation, digitalisation and automation through the Port Community System PCS, which is prelude to achieving a Single National Window NSW. This port transformation drive is aimed at increasing operational efficiency, generating revenue and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy by boosting non-oil exports.

In addition to reforming the country’s seaport systems, the Managing Director has also in a very short period in office, made giant strides that have expanded Nigeria’s footprints on global maritime arena.

MD NPA, Dr. Dantsoho addresses members of the IAPH shortly after his election as Vice President Africa, which took place at Tokyo, Japan.

For instance, in November 2024, precisely four months in office, he was elected the President of the Port Management Association for West and Central Africa PMAWCA, in what regional and global industry experts described as historic and marks a major turning point for the region. This particularly is a major milestone for the country, being the first Nigerian to be so elected. The historic event took place during the closing ceremony of the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of the PMAWCA Directors General, held in Conakry, Guinea on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The entire maritime landscape of West and Central African region has since then witnessed exceptional leadership under Dr.  Dantsoho.

Speaking shortly after his unanimous election of the PMAWCA President, Dr. Dantsoho underscored Nigeria’s commitment to modernisation and regional cooperation in the maritime sector. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the NPA under his watch to enhancing the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s seaports, diversifying the economy and promoting collaboration among member states.

He had told the excited audience that his leadership of the regional body will be anchored on a vision of regional collaboration and cooperation, which is essential to achieving the goals set by the PMAWCA.

He further called for enhanced cooperation among member states, stressing that only through robust collaboration will the mandates be achieved. He expressed his determination to consolidate on the region’s economic cohesion and defend the interests of member seaports.

“Part of my ambitious vision include initiatives such as the relocation of the PMAWCA headquarters to Lagos, Nigeria, to enhance its visibility, as well as the development of training programmes for member nations”, he said.

Regional maritime experts have argued that Dr. Dantsoho’s election as PMAWCA President represents a milestone for the West and Central African region with the promising prospects for the sector. This is especially given his commitment to regional cooperation, modernisation and economic growth, which also positions Nigeria as a regional powerhouse in port development.

It was in the light of this that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola welcomed his election as the PMAWCA’s helms man, acknowledging his commitment and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

Only recently also, Dr. Dantsoho made a quantum leap into further expanding Nigeria’s footprints on the global maritime arena when he was elected the Vice President (in charge of Africa) of a global port body, the Tokyo-based International Association for Ports and Harbours IAPH. This election, which further cements Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime affairs, was held in Tokyo penultimate week. By this election, Dantsoho joins the management team of the IAPH for a two-year term.

Experts also believe that this election also marks another milestone for Dantsoho, who previously made history when he became the first Nigerian to lead the PMAWCA, since its establishment in 1972 and further expanding the country’s footprints on the global shipping arena.

The IAPH is the global trade association for seaports worldwide, with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It was formed in 1955, and is now recognised as the NGO representing seaports worldwide.

It is also a global alliance of more than 190 seaports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries. Collectively, its members handle over 60per cent of the world’s seaborne trade and container traffic. The body plays a key role in shaping global maritime policy, working closely with the International Maritime Organisation IMO, World Customs Organisation WCO, and the United Nations system.

Reacting to the election, Secretary-General of the IAPH, Masahiko Furuichi said: “I join other maritime stakeholders and experts across the globe to congratulate and welcome Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho. I am delighted to work together with him in IAPH for the years to come.”

Unarguably, there are evidences to show that Dantsoho’s leadership at the NPA has been marked by major operational gains, including a significant rise in non-oil exports and an improved trade balance for Nigeria.

According to statistics from the Nigerian Export Processing Council NEPC, non-oil exports rose by 19.59per cent in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, while export volumes on NPA platforms climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes.

Similarly, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group NESG, has also credited these reforms with helping Nigeria achieve a trade surplus for the first time in several years.

It was probably to underscore the importance of these milestones both to the Federal Government and the Nigerian nation as a whole, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not spear any effort in congratulating the NPA-boss for making the country proud.

The President also thanked members of the IAPH for the confidence reposed in Dantsoho by entrusting him with the position.

President Tinubu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, believes that the election of the NPA Managing Director will boost Nigeria’s ambition to tap into the global marine and blue economy.

“The President encourages Dantsoho to continue in his efforts to reposition the NPA, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s goal of expanding its economy to $1 trillion by 2030”, the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, also felicitated with Dr. Dantsoho, describing his election to the global maritime body as a testament to his outstanding leadership and a global recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in maritime affairs.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister noted that this milestone is a direct reflection of the significant strides made under the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.

“This election is a recognition of the ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s seaports and the blue economy drive of the Federal Government. It also validates our commitment to creating a more efficient, secure, and competitive maritime environment, which is a key component of our national economic strategy”, the Minister said.

He further assured that the government’s ongoing port modernisation initiative is a comprehensive programme designed to overhaul port infrastructure, embrace cutting-edge technology, and streamline operational processes.

The goal, according to him, is to elevate Nigeria’s seaports to international standards and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

The Minister, who observed that Dantsoho’s role within such an influential body like IAPH, will be instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage, expressing confidence that Dr Dantsoho’s wealth of experience will enable him to make impactful contributions to the IAPH and, in doing so, further elevates Nigeria’s voice in global maritime policy debates and foster deeper international collaborations.

Apart from the President and the Minister, scores of maritime stakeholders have felicitated with the NPA helms man on his exploits in the global maritime arena.

For instance, while reacting to the election, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, said: “Dr. Dantsoho’s election is a reflection his exceptional leadership and professional excellence, just as it is a remarkable milestone that further reflects his unwavering dedication to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”

According to a letter personally signed by Dr. Akutah: “This outstanding achievement is a source of pride to Nigeria and a clear recognition of your visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the maritime and port sector.

“The Council commends Dr. Dantsoho for reinforcing Nigeria’s strategic position within the global maritime community and we are confident that his tenure will unlock greater opportunities for Africa while accelerating Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a leading maritime hub.”

He however reaffirmed the commitment of the Council under his watch to fully supporting Dr. Dantsoho in his new role, particularly in championing port reforms, facilitating trade, and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s blue economy.

Another stakeholder and Chairman of the SIFAX Group, operators of Nigeria’s second biggest container terminal, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CON, who among several other stakeholders, felicitated with the NPA-boss, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Dantsoho’s exceptional leadership and immense contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“Your election is a testament to your distinguished career and decades of dedicated service. From your beginnings at the NPA during your National Youth Service in 1992 to your current role as Managing Director, your journey has been inspiring,” Dr. Afolabi said.

He noted that Dr. Dantsoho’s data-driven leadership and reforms have strengthened efficiency in port operations while enhancing Nigeria’s global maritime reputation. According to him, the achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a collective gain for Nigeria and Africa.

The company expressed confidence that Dr. Dantsoho will use his new role to foster stronger continental collaborations and advance Africa’s position in global maritime governance. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and pledged continued collaboration with the NPA to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in global shipping.

“At SIFAX Group, we are proud of your vision, resilience, and commitment to maritime development. This accomplishment affirms the respect you command internationally and signals a bright future for Africa’s shipping industry”, Afolabi added.

No doubt, Dantsoho’s elevation both at the PMAWCA and IAPH places Nigeria at the heart of global seaport policy debates, strengthening her voice in advancing trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth in the country’s fast growing maritime sector.