“Staying competitive-regionally and globally, requires substantial investment in both infrastructure and technology as Nigerian ports face rising pressure from better-equipped ports in neighbouring countries”- Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho

The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director and Chief Executive officer,   is very often in the news owing to the painful  truth that Nigeria as an import laden nation, the people have the Nigerian sea ports to look up to and depend on for industrial and domestic every day needs.

From Lagos to One, Port Harcourt to Calabar to the sea ports in Delta, NPA has its hands full on how to modernize and fully operationalize these sea ports for national economic growth and development.

While the sea ports in Lagos are having issues of “cargo overload” to grapple with, the Eastern Ports do not enjoy similar patronage even as the Western ports bubble and boom with high human and vehicular traffic.

The Dantsoho Engagement and Consultations

With his experience and exposure, Dantsoho didn’t come to NPA to learn. As a former Port manager, (One Port complex), his knowledge and experience are a reflection of what NPA is at the moment.

With a strong Management team, backed by a resourceful workforce, previous efforts have been consolidated on, re-evaluated and rejigged.

Collaborations between NPA and other government agencies and regular stakeholders’ engagements have been critical to NPA successes under Dantsoho-these must be sustained.

ETO

For the Electronic Call-up System, ETO, to be more efficient and dependable, the frequent closure and opening of the bridges inward and outward Apapa from Constain through Ijora has to be decisively resolved. Closure of any of these bridges has a severe backlash on movement of vehicles and trucks in and out of Apapa.

Notwithstanding observed hitches, the consistency and efforts at ensuring operational efficiency of ETO, is a revolutionary step at traffic management within the Apapa port environment in the Lagos Metropolis.

As the Truck Transit Park Ltd, TTP, operators and managers of ETO seek renewal of its expired or expiring operational license, stakeholders are tasking NPA for a thorough review and clinical audit of TTP capabilities before any renewal is considered. Internal or external saboteurs of ETO must be severely dealt with to deter state and non-state actor who profit from traffic chaos from attempting traffic disruption within Apapa.

“We have deployed a new electronic barrier system at all Lagos port complex terminals to improve traffic and control access. This system is integrated with the Eto electronic call-up system to further enhance effective traffic management” Dantsoho has said.

The NPA boss has several reports on his shelves and men on ground to deliberate with on ETO efficiency going forward.

There are ongoing deliberations on the Port Community System, PCS, National Single window, NSW, Export Processing Terminals, ETPs, barge usage and other cargo handling and evacuation options which must be thoroughly reviewed before official launch.

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Award is a challenge not a celebration

As President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA); and Vice President of International Association of Ports and Harbour, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho is positioned to transform Nigerian Ports for competitiveness, global attraction and seamless trade facilitation.

NPA has disclosed plans for the construction of a $1billion Snake Island Port in the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos.

Experts are of the view that existing sea ports such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa and Tin Can ports be fully rehabilitated, automated and seamless operations achieved before embarking on such a project as cargo movement remains encumbered by unsynchronized disproportionate logistics value chains.

It is reported that Nigeria attained a trade surplus of N5.81 trillion in third quarter of 2024 from efficient Port operations under the guidance of NPA Managing Director.  Hopes are high that the figures in 2025 would be higher.

See  https://maritimenig.com/2025/06/npa-under-dantsoho-what-does-the-charts-indicate/

With the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Modernization project, with the projected launch of the National Single Window, with the ports of Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt receiving attention and attracting ships, as Dantsoho deepens collaboration, as engagement and consultations with stakeholders continues, the Nigerian Economy is poised for a brighter outlook on the Q4 figures and 2026 forecasts.

Revenue

 With a projected revenue target of ₦1.28tn in 2025 up from the ₦894.86bn it made in 2024, the need for digitalization, automation and ultimate reduction of human interference in port operations cannot be overemphasized.

“Our 2025 estimates go beyond mere numbers; they reflect our vision for a more productive and competitive port ecosystem” Dantosoho has maintained.

The NPA remittance of over ₦400billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, almost twice the  ₦213.23bn figure in 2023 signifies efforts management NPA.

“The figures demonstrates our dedication to national revenue contribution, even when it places a strain on our cash flow,” Dantsoho said.

The expected Revenue inflow from expected rise in cargo volumes due to ongoing global trade disruptions such those associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global disruptions indicate higher trade volume at Nigerian ports.

Sources familiar with vessel call gave a breakdown of expected revenue to include ₦544.06bn from ship dues; ₦413.06bn from cargo dues, ₦249.69bn  concession fees, and ₦73.07bn in administrative tariffs/charges.

Thankfully and very indicative of his hands-on expertise, the NPA Boss notes “Staying competitive-regionally and globally, requires substantial investment in both infrastructure and technology as Nigerian ports face rising pressure from better-equipped ports in neighbouring countries”

“With timely access to internally generated funds, the NPA is poised to deliver tangible results that meet national expectations  because Ports are the lifeline of a country’s economy, influencing trade flows, job creation, and economic resilience” Dantsoho reiterates.

Clearly, the role and responsibilities of Nigerian Sea Ports in realizing the national diversification objectives of the Federal Government are succinctly captured and ingrained in Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as we pause for a breather!