By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to modernise the Lagos Port Complex and the Eastern Ports as part of a broader strategy to improve infrastructure, deploy technology, strengthen human capacity and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in Africa’s maritime sector.
Speaking on Monday at the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the projects form part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s ports to meet international standards.
Dantsoho described the workshop as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional capacity, improving maritime governance and supporting the effective implementation of Port State Control across the Abuja MoU region.
He said the Authority was proud to identify with the Abuja MoU and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation on the five-year Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, noting that the initiative would equip maritime administrators with the knowledge, tools and strategic perspectives needed to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve compliance with international maritime conventions, enhance maritime safety and security, and protect the marine environment.
According to him, Nigeria is determined to improve the competitiveness of its ports, acknowledging that the country currently trails leading African maritime nations such as South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.
To bridge the gap, he said the NPA has identified four strategic priorities: modern port infrastructure, technology-driven operations, improved operational efficiency and sustained human capacity development.
Dantsoho disclosed that the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had secured the necessary approvals for the modernisation of the Lagos Port Complex and the Eastern Ports, describing the development as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s port transformation agenda.
He also highlighted the implementation of the National Single Window project, saying the digital platform would improve integration within the port system, simplify cargo clearance procedures, reduce delays and enhance trade facilitation.
The NPA Managing Director stressed that human capacity development remains central to the Authority’s reform programme, noting that the Abuja MoU workshop aligns with the NPA’s commitment to developing skilled maritime professionals capable of responding to emerging challenges in the industry.
He added that the programme would help strengthen Port State Control implementation, improve regulatory compliance and reinforce maritime safety standards across West and Central Africa.
Dantsoho also noted Nigeria’s continued leadership in regional maritime affairs, including its active role in the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), saying the country remains committed to promoting regional cooperation and sustainable maritime development.
He said the strength of the Abuja MoU lies in the unity and collective commitment of its member states to safeguard regional waters, improve maritime safety and facilitate international trade.
Urging participants to make the most of the workshop, Dantsoho encouraged them to actively exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical solutions that would strengthen maritime governance and improve Port State Control performance across the region.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among member states would result in safer ports, more efficient maritime operations and a globally competitive maritime sector capable of supporting economic growth and regional integration.
