The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for collaboration among countries under the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, saying it is only through robust engagement that mandates set by the group can be achieved.
Dantsoho made the call in his acceptance speech after he emerged the first Nigerian to be elected Chairman of PMAWCA, at the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of Directors General of PMAWCA in Conakry-Guinea.
He noted that the Nigerian maritime industry has witnessed reforms in critical segments, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation and automation, adding that the measures, would boost operational efficiency as well as revenue generation for the country.
He added that the Nigerian government’s commitment to a revolutionary turnaround of Nigeria’s maritime industry has been characterised by reforms in critical segments of the industry, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation and automation.
He said, “It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before my friends from the countries of West and Central Africa today to accept this mantle of leadership.
“I will be seeking your usual cooperation and advice in helping to ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region in general.
“Recalling our deliberations at the Board of Directors meeting, the need to relocate the PMAWCA headquarters to a more visible and befitting place in Lagos Nigeria, the training needs of the Association and the PCS is dear to my heart and will do my very best in this direction to achieve these goals,” he said.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledging Dantsoho’s election said it was a testament to the fact that the effort to turn around the port economy in Nigeria is being recognised by global stakeholders.
Oyetola said the recognition will further fuel Nigeria’s effort to reclaim its maritime global relevance under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“I congratulate Dantsoho for his election, it is a responsibility that I am sure he can deliver on. His election has proven the renewed hope agenda of Mr President to turn around the port economy by creating the Marine and Blue Economy was a step in the right direction.
“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well-positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa. The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a major role in national prosperity.”
Nigerian maritime industry has witnessed reforms in critical segments – Dantsoho