Dantsoho Explains Why Africa Must Not Be Left Behind in Global Maritime Race
- PMAWCA urges investment in modern port infrastructure for Africa's global trade competitiveness
- Nigeria leads port upgrades while emphasizing the need for deep sea port development
- Technological advancements and regional cooperation are critical for Africa's maritime sector growth
President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said African countries must invest heavily in modern port infrastructure and technology to remain competitive in global trade.
Dantsoho, who is also the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), stated this at the close of the PMAWCA meetings in Lagos, warning that outdated port facilities could hinder economic growth across the continent.
Source: Original
Call for modern ports and deep sea infrastructure
According to him, ports remain central to economic development, adding that countries cannot expand their economies without upgrading maritime infrastructure.
“This is an industry that requires huge investment in infrastructure. You cannot make progress with obsolete facilities and still expect to receive newer and larger vessels,” he said.
“You cannot have a hotel built 50 years ago and expect modern customers to continue coming without refurbishment. It is the same thing with ports.”
He noted that countries in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin Republic, are currently modernising their ports to improve competitiveness and handle larger vessels.
Nigeria upgrading existing ports
Dantsoho disclosed that Nigeria is carrying out refurbishment works at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as part of efforts to improve operational capacity in the short term.
However, he stressed that the country would eventually require more deep sea ports to cope with future trade demands.
He said the Lekki Deep Sea Port represents progress but argued that Africa must pursue more ambitious projects similar to major global maritime hubs.
“In Singapore, they are building ports with hundreds of berths. Guinea is developing a $20 billion deep sea port project. These are the kinds of investments Africa must begin to pursue if we want to compete globally,” he stated.
Technology now central to port operations
The PMAWCA president also highlighted the growing importance of technology, automation and artificial intelligence in modern port management.
According to him, the Nigerian Ports Authority has achieved nearly 90 per cent automation in its operations through electronic systems for payment and cargo processing.
He cited the electronic call-up system introduced at Apapa Port as one of the reforms that has significantly reduced traffic congestion in the area.
“Today, you can go into Apapa and leave within minutes. Before now, people spent hours and sometimes slept on the bridge because of congestion,” he said.
Nigeria handles majority of regional cargo traffic
Dantsoho said Nigeria currently accounts for more than 70 per cent of cargo traffic entering the West and Central African region because of its large population and strategic location.
He explained that neighbouring landlocked countries such as Niger, Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso also rely heavily on Nigerian ports for trade access.
“Our market extends beyond Nigeria because several landlocked countries depend on Nigerian ports. But to sustain that advantage, we must provide deeper waters, stronger quays and modern infrastructure that can accommodate bigger ships,” he added.
Regional cooperation key to maritime growth
The NPA boss also emphasised the importance of cooperation among African port authorities through PMAWCA, noting that member countries are increasingly sharing operational strategies and performance benchmarks.
He said the future of Africa’s economic growth would depend largely on how quickly the maritime sector adapts to changing global realities through infrastructure renewal, technological innovation and regional integration.
Source: Legit.ng
