Written by Steve Agbota
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dansoho, expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering increased investor participation in port development while highlighting steps taken to improve productivity levels at all maritime gateways in the country.
Speaking at the Investopedia Forum held in Lagos recently with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Lagos State Government, Dansoho stressed Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnership.
The NPA MD spoke about the Federal Government’s recent move to make Nigeria a leading port destination in Africa through modernization and rehabilitation.
He added that Nigeria’s ports are investment-ready and opportunities abound for productive public-private partnerships such as the successful ventures seen in the Lekki Deep Sea Port and others.
He said federal modernization programs such as the National Single Window (NSW) were expected to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Approval of port rehabilitation and e-access for trucks is a way for the government to demonstrate its commitment to the port sector.
The NPA MD also cited approvals given for the commencement of greenfield port projects in Badagry, Olokola, Bonny and others as an indication of the Nigerian government’s readiness to make ports fertile ground for local and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Dansoho emphasized that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving operational efficiency, and increasing transparency and trust across the maritime and logistics value chain.
He said the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) unveiled its vision for resilient, efficient and future-proof port infrastructure at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, where the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reaffirmed the country’s commitment to development and strategic partnership.
A strategic panel themed ‘Infrastructure and Logistics for Africa’s Next Stage of Trade’ also featured Abu Dhabi Ports Group Regional Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Almenhari, who focused on port modernization, corridor connectivity and the deployment of digital trade infrastructure. Tools such as port community systems and electronic truck monitoring systems (e-trucks) were highlighted for their role in increasing efficiency, reducing congestion, and increasing compliance in transporting cargo from ports to inland warehouses.
The summit, co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together global investors, government officials and industry leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems and secure supply chains.
Dansoho said Nigeria’s size and location position it as a trade gateway for West Africa, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and providing access to inland markets. The NPA MD emphasized the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes and inland warehousing coordination to improve trade flows and reduce port congestion.
The summit builds on the momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade. President Tinubu’s announcement of Lagos as a co-host city for Investopia reflects Nigeria’s commitment to attracting global capital and turning bilateral agreements into viable investments.
He stressed that mobilizing private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks, alongside strategic partnerships with global investors like the UAE, can strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position Nigeria as a hub for regional and global trade.
It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing port reform, improving operational efficiency and promoting sustainable maritime practices, demonstrating its readiness to embrace development and investment that will transform Nigeria’s ports into engines of regional integration and economic growth.
Other speakers included the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria; Dr. Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia. Mr. Mohamed H. Al-Suwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment. business leaders Mr. Femi Otedola and Mr. Ademola Adeyemi Bello; Samaira Zubair, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation;
