In preparation for an expected surge in intra-African trade, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho revealed the authority’s efforts to improve the competitive strategy of Nigerian ports.
Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Maritime and Logistics event in Lagos, Dantsoho addressed the theme of “Improving the Competitiveness of Nigerian Ports in an Era of Regional Integration.”
Dantsoho highlighted the importance of capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the potential collapse of trade barriers across Africa, which would significantly boost intra-African trade.
According to him, “it is imperative that Nigerian ports reposition themselves to remain competitive and not lose their gateway traffic to other ports.
“Our vision is to be the Maritime Logistics Hub for sustainable port services in Africa.
“In the quest for our nation to optimise the benefits accruable from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there is no gainsaying that port plays a pivotal role as a nodal point in international logistics.
“Given the fact that port cost is a significant component of freight cost which ultimately affects the prices of goods in the market, this speaks to the imperativeness for our ports to be competitive and efficient.
“This requires strategic collaboration of every player in the port system for this to be actualized.”
According to Dantsoho, three key elements drive port competitiveness: institutions, infrastructure, and macroeconomics.
Strong institutions, Dantsoho explained, contribute to a stable and predictable business environment by establishing the necessary regulatory and governance frameworks.
In addition, infrastructure plays a pivotal role in enhancing port competitiveness, as it affects operational efficiency, strategic viability, and overall trade efficiency.
Dantsoho emphasized the importance of considering these key factors in the NPA’s efforts to improve Nigerian ports’ competitive edge.
“Investments in inland terminals, logistic zones, and rail networks can expand a port’s influence beyond its traditional hinterland and bring about efficiency that makes the port competitive.”
In addition, the managing director stressed that the macroeconomic environment of a country is intricately linked to its ports’ performance and competitiveness, saying factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and economic stability influence trade flows and investments.
He extended his appreciation to Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for his backing of the authority’s initiatives to reposition Nigerian ports.
Dantsoho highlighted that the NPA, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is actively working towards reducing paperwork and administrative bureaucracy.
He affirmed his commitment to the actualization of this project, which aims to streamline processes and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigerian ports.
He noted, “The Port Community System (PCS) is envisaged to culminate into the National Single Window (NSW) for maximum efficiency and competitiveness.”
