NPA: Modern ports critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation, trade expansion

Stanley Ihedigbo

Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has stressed that efficient and modern port infrastructure is indispensable to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), describing ports as the backbone of industrialisation, export growth and sustainable economic development.

Dantsoho said the effectiveness of Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones depends largely on seamless port operations, efficient logistics and strong transport connectivity, noting that modern ports remain critical to attracting investment and driving long-term economic prosperity.

The NPA Managing Director made the remarks during the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, where he delivered a keynote address titled, “Optimising Port Infrastructure to Unlock the Full Potential of Special Economic Zones in Nigeria.” He was represented by the Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie.

According to him, while government incentives and favourable regulations may attract investors into Special Economic Zones, it is the availability of efficient infrastructure—especially ports—that determines whether such investments thrive.

“A Special Economic Zone without an efficient port system is much like an airport without a runway: the vision may be compelling, but its potential can never be realised,” he stated.

Dantsoho explained that ports should no longer be regarded merely as places where ships berth but as strategic national assets capable of stimulating manufacturing, promoting exports, facilitating international trade and creating employment opportunities.

He added that efficient ports remain central to the development of a sustainable blue economy because improved port operations stimulate trade, encourage industrial growth, generate jobs and improve livelihoods across the country.

The NPA boss outlined several initiatives being pursued by the Authority to optimise Nigeria’s port infrastructure. These include the rehabilitation and modernisation of port facilities, continuous channel maintenance to ensure safe navigation, digital transformation of port operations, improved multimodal transport connectivity, expansion of public-private partnerships and stronger collaboration among government institutions.

He disclosed that the Authority is also advancing the implementation of the Port Community System as a major step towards the National Single Window project, an initiative expected to reduce cargo clearance time, improve operational transparency and enhance trade facilitation.

Dantsoho further emphasised the need for stronger integration of seaports with road, rail and inland waterway transport systems to improve cargo evacuation and reduce logistics costs.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Inland Dry Ports, saying they would extend port services closer to inland industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones, thereby improving supply chain efficiency and promoting balanced economic development across the country.

Using the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example, the NPA Managing Director described public-private partnerships as an effective model for expanding port capacity, strengthening logistics infrastructure and supporting export-oriented industrialisation.

While acknowledging the progress already recorded in the nation’s maritime sector, Dantsoho maintained that sustained investment, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders remain essential if Nigerian ports are to become the preferred gateways for regional and international trade.

“When our ports become more efficient, our industries become more competitive; when our industries become more competitive, investment grows; and when investment grows, jobs are created, exports expand, and national prosperity follows,” he said.

He therefore called on the Federal Government, private sector operators, investors, development partners and the media to strengthen collaboration in building a modern, efficient and globally competitive port system capable of supporting Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones, advancing the blue economy and driving sustainable national economic transformation.