Dantsoho says Nigeria’s ports are investment-ready as government advances modernisation, PPPs, and new greenfield port projects…..
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to attract greater private sector participation in the development of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
Dantsoho made the remarks at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, where he engaged stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and the Lagos State Government on potential development partnerships in the port and maritime sector, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
The summit, jointly hosted by Nigeria and the UAE, brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
Dantsoho said the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to position Nigeria as a leading port destination on the continent through targeted port modernisation and rehabilitation programmes.
According to him, Nigeria’s ports are now “investment-ready,” offering multiple opportunities for public-private partnerships. He cited the Lekki Deep Seaport as a successful example of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He pointed to ongoing reforms and approvals as evidence of the government’s commitment, including the National Single Window programme, which is expected to go live by the first quarter of 2026, approvals for port rehabilitation, and the deployment of an electronic truck call-up system.
Dantsoho also disclosed that approvals have been granted for the development of new greenfield ports in Badagry, Olokola, and Bonny, describing the projects as further proof of the government’s readiness to open the maritime sector to both domestic and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the NPA managing director said modern, resilient ports supported by integrated logistics systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.
He said the authority used the Investopia summit to present its vision for efficient, resilient, and future-ready port infrastructure, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strategic development partnerships.
“Nigeria’s size and location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area and providing access to landlocked markets,” Dantsoho said.
He stressed the importance of integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland container depots to improve trade flows and reduce congestion at the ports.
According to the statement, the summit builds on the momentum generated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement covering renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.
Dantsoho said mobilising private capital through bankable projects, credible public-private partnership frameworks, and collaboration with global investors would strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as both a regional and global trade hub.
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