From left: MD NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho presents a souvenir to the visiting Flag Officer Commanding FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, during a courtesy visit.

As part of measures to enhance port security Nigeria’s maritime domain and facilitate trade, the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, has resolved to strengthen its existing ties with the Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy.

The commitment was made when the Flag Officer Commanding FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, paid a courtesy visit on the Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, at the Authority’s headquarters, Marina, Lagos on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Rear Admiral Mustapha said the visit was aimed at consolidating the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Navy and NPA. He conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas over NPA’s strategic role in supporting national economic growth and advancing the Blue Economy.

He further lauded Dr Dantsoho for his purposeful leadership in driving port efficiency and reforms, and highlighted the Navy’s ongoing efforts through the Falcon Eye Maritime Surveillance System, the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability RMAC, and other deployments to curb maritime crimes and ensure a safer shipping environment.

The FOC reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deeper collaboration with NPA to ensure secure port systems and seamless facilitation of trade.

The NPA boss, who also spoke during the meeting, expressed NPA’s appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and enabling efficient port operations.

He emphasised the need for sustained collaboration to strengthen port security architecture and improve trade facilitation to enhance competitiveness and ease of doing business.

He also called for increased operational support, particularly in the Eastern Zone, and expressed optimism that deeper synergy would advance national maritime security and economic development.

A highpoint of the meeting was the exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, as both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing port security and facilitation of legitimate trade.