NPA Boss Dantsoho Unveils Plan for Digital, Globally Competitive Nigerian Ports at UNGA
- NPA boss has told UNGA that Nigeria is building a modern, digitally driven port system to boost trade, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the economy
- He announced that the Port Community System (PCS), a paperless digital platform to connect stakeholders and improve efficiency, will be launched in 2026
- The NPA is also pushing sustainability by improving intermodal transport, cutting emissions, and upgrading infrastructure, such as the Lekki Deep Seaport
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has said that Nigeria is working to develop a modern and globally competitive port system that will make trade easier, attract foreign investors, and strengthen confidence in the country’s economy.
Source: UGC
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he delivered a paper on “Optimising Nigeria's Port Infrastructure, Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Global Competitiveness,” Dantsoho revealed that the Port Community System (PCS), a digital platform connecting all stakeholders, will be launched in early 2026.
Dantsoho said:
"We are building a globally competitive port system that will strengthen trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria's economic future. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals."
According to him, the PCS will enable seamless, paperless transactions, cut waste, and improve efficiency across the ports. He explained that digitalisation efforts have already boosted non-oil exports by 19.6% in the first half of 2025.
The NPA, he noted, has introduced several innovations, such as electronic barriers at Lagos Port Complex, integrated with the Eto electronic call-up system to manage truck entry and reduce congestion.
Other tools, like e-Tag verification, electronic send systems, and joint boarding apps, are also being deployed to cut cargo dwell time and speed up operations.
NPA automating barge, truck, railway applications
On sustainability, Dantsoho said the NPA is improving intermodal transport by investing in barge, rail, and truck automation to reduce reliance on road transport and lower carbon emissions.
He added that the authority has also started a shore-to-ship emission reduction programme at Lekki Port.
He further explained that the NPA is promoting a “one-stop shop” system for crude oil exports and payments to streamline approvals and increase government revenue.
Highlighting major infrastructure projects, the NPA boss stated that the Lekki Deep Seaport, built in partnership with other stakeholders, is designed to handle large post-Panamax vessels, thereby making Nigerian exports more competitive.
Source: UGC
He also noted the commissioning of new tugboats and marine crafts to support operations at Lekki Port, the Dangote Refinery, and the Dangote Fertiliser Plant.
Dantsoho stressed that the NPA is fully committed to modernising Nigeria’s seaports, adopting greener operations, and making them more efficient and attractive to global investors.
Dantsoho urges African nations to harness marine strengths
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) called on African nations to convert their marine comparative advantages into economic growth.
The association's president emphasised the importance of regional collaboration and data-driven decision-making in port management.
He also commended the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, noting that it has strengthened efforts to develop the sector.
Source: Legit.ng
