The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has urged terminal operators to increase investments in Nigerian ports to enhance efficiency. He also assured operators of the agency’s full support.
Dantsoho made this call on Wednesday during an operational tour of the Lagos Ports Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
He stressed that Nigeria deserves greater investment in its ports than what is currently being provided.
During the tour, he visited key terminals, including Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited and APM Terminals in the Lagos Port Complex.
Speaking at the visit, Dantsoho encouraged terminal operators to take advantage of President Bola Tinubu’s investment-friendly policies.
“I would like to implore all terminal operators to leverage the investor-friendly initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and increase their investments. Given Nigeria’s large population, our ports deserve greater investment than is currently available,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the NPA aligns with the World Ports Sustainability Programme and will prioritise eco-friendly port operations, insisting on compliance from investors.
“As a regulator, we assure you of all necessary facilitation to protect your investments and guarantee returns,” he stated.
The NPA boss also announced the conclusion of the final phase of the Port Community System (PCS), a key linkage for the upcoming National Single Window project.
“We must quickly transform our vision of being Africa’s maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services into reality,” he said.
Dantsoho highlighted the economic importance of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, noting that Apapa Port remains Nigeria’s leading port, handling the highest number of containers in the country due to APM Terminals.
“We are ready to implement the PCS and upgrade the seaports through modernisation. Apapa Port receives the highest container traffic in the country, making it our top port,” he added.
Dantsoho noted that all terminals would soon be integrated electronically, advancing towards the National Single Window system. He also commended terminal operators for their investments in equipment and infrastructure while urging them to do more to meet the objectives of port concessions.
“Private sector practitioners, such as terminal operators, are expected to improve infrastructure and equipment. While we have made progress, we have not yet fully achieved our goals,” he remarked.
The NPA boss concluded by acknowledging the efforts of concessionaires while calling for further investments to realise the government’s vision for the ports.
