NPA MD emerges chairman of W’African ports

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on Wednesday, emerged as the primary Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the Port Administration Affiliation of West and Central Africa.

His election was confirmed throughout the closing  of the forty fourth Annual Council and nineteenth Roundtable of Administrators Common of PMAWCA in Conakry, Guinea.

In a press release launched on Thursday, NPA introduced the achievement, underscoring the importance of the popularity for each Dantsoho and the Nigerian maritime trade.

In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho described the election as a pivotal second for the area’s maritime sector, emphasising its significance in enhancing international competitiveness and delivering world-class providers.

He attributed Nigeria’s robust place to the federal government’s ongoing reforms geared toward revitalising the nation’s maritime trade.

These efforts, based on him, embody port rehabilitation, modernisation, infrastructure growth, digitisation, and automation.

“These reforms are essential in boosting operational effectivity and rising income era, which aligns with the federal authorities’s objective of diversifying the financial system via the expansion of non-oil exports,” Dantsoho said.

He additionally pledged to construct on the progress made by his predecessor, Mr. Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director of the Gabon Ports Authority.

Dantsoho expressed his dedication to sustaining the momentum of regional financial integration, affirming Nigeria’s continued help for PMAWCA’s goals.

“I want to take this chance to reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication, as demonstrated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economic system, Adegboyega Oyetola, to proceed the progress set by my predecessor and to advance the financial cohesion of our area,” Dantsoho mentioned.

He additionally referred to as for higher collaboration amongst member states to realize the affiliation’s objectives, stressing {that a} united strategy is crucial for the event of the maritime sector in West and Central Africa.

Dantsoho highlighted key initiatives he intends to prioritise throughout his tenure, together with relocating the PMAWCA headquarters to a extra seen and acceptable location in Lagos, Nigeria, in addition to addressing the coaching wants of the Affiliation.

He pledged to work diligently to realize these objectives and additional improve the area’s maritime capabilities.

In the meantime, Oyetola congratulated Dantsoho on his election, recognizing it as a transparent indication that Nigeria’s efforts to revamp its port financial system are gaining worldwide recognition.

The Minister praised Dantsoho’s management and affirmed that the achievement will enhance Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim its maritime prominence on the worldwide stage underneath President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.

Oyetola emphasised that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economic system is a essential step in unlocking the huge potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He expressed confidence that Dantsoho’s election as PMAWCA Chairman would contribute to Nigeria’s objective of changing into a key participant in international maritime affairs.

“The creation of the ministry isn’t just a strategic transfer, however an illustration of President Tinubu’s dedication to reworking the port financial system and reinforcing Nigeria’s place as a maritime hub,” Oyetola concluded.

The Minister reiterated that the maritime sector holds immense potential for financial development, job creation, and improved livelihoods, and with continued management and reforms, Nigeria can capitalise on these alternatives.