… Tips Nigeria as Leader of Africa’s Blue Economy
By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the ongoing Reforms and general transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Dantsoho said Nigeria is well positioned to lead Africa’s blue economy, citing Maritime turnaround in the form of port modernisation, policy reforms and growing private sector participation as key drivers.
Dantsoho stated that the port system remains critical to unlocking investment and accelerating economic growth, as he called for a strategic shift toward full utilisation of marine resources.
He stressed that the nation’s port system remains central to unlocking investments and accelerating economic growth, urging a strategic shift toward full utilisation of marine resources.
Dantsoho noted that despite Nigeria accounting for over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, it currently handles only about 25 per cent of regional cargo traffic, urging for the need to maximise its maritime potential.
However, he assured investors that reforms under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are repositioning the sector through initiatives such as port modernisation, deployment of a Trade Single Window, Port Community System, deep seaport development and digitalisation of operations.
According to him, increased private sector funding is already improving efficiency and bridging infrastructure gaps, while ongoing reforms are expected to enhance connectivity, attract larger vessels, reduce freight costs and boost non-oil exports.
“With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources,” he said, adding that properly harnessed ports can significantly boost growth.”
“With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
Also, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s 823-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways as strategic assets for blue economy growth, noting that the sector accounts for over 90 per cent of the country’s international trade by volume.
He added that the reforms have strengthened coordination, improved maritime security and boosted investor confidence.
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