Dantsoho Urges African Nations to Harness Marine Strengths for Economic Growth
- A port management association, PMAWCA, has 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
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Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
The President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has urged African countries to transform their marine comparative advantages into tangible economic benefits for their nations.
Source: UGC
Sustainable ports key to Africa’s prosperity
Speaking at the PMAWCA Board of Directors and Ports Statisticians Network Meetings held in Luanda, Angola, Dr. Dantsoho, who also serves as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), stressed that the long-term prosperity of African nations depends heavily on the efficiency and sustainability of their seaports.
He noted that countries across West and Central Africa are not only connected by waterways but also by shared opportunities and challenges, hence the need to convert our marine comparative strengths into collective economic prosperity.
He said:
"The need to translate our marine comparative advantages into opportunities for the collective prosperity of our respective countries has never been more pressing than it is now."
Sustainable ports key to Africa’s prosperity
Dantsoho acknowledged that ports worldwide have demonstrated leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Africa’s future growth is closely tied to the sustainability of its ports.
Referencing his recent engagement with the PMAWCA Women Network at the NPA headquarters in Lagos, Dantsoho added that economic cooperation among African ports is crucial.
He said that failing to harness the benefits of unity through enhanced collaboration among our ports would be a serious setback.
Dr. Dantsoho further highlighted the importance of data in shaping effective port management strategies. He described the joint meeting with the Statisticians Network as a “smart model” for regional partnerships that would drive better decision-making.
Recall that Dantsoho was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024 to head the NPA and transform its operations to global standards.
Commending President Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Dantsoho said the new ministry has strengthened efforts to implement ambitious plans for the maritime sector.
He added that the president's visionary step has reinvigorated our commitment to investing in sector-specific talent development and leveraging operational think tanks like PMAWCA.
Source: UGC
NPA partners Dangote to boost export sector
In related news, Legit.ng reported that Dangote Industries Limited and the Nigerian Ports Authority have partnered to boost Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Dangote outlined plans to massively expand exports, including cement, coal, fertiliser, and refined products, which would increase foreign exchange earnings and port activities.
He also praised the NPA’s One Stop Shop policy for improving transaction efficiency and called for continued government support to enhance port services.
Source: Legit.ng
