NPA MD Dantsoho Embarks on Investment Campaign Tour of Onne and Rivers Port Complexes
In a bid to bolster Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhance port infrastructure, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, embarked on a two-day operational and investment campaign tour of the Onne and Rivers Port Complexes on December 4 and 5, 2024. This visit follows a similar tour of Lagos Ports, including Apapa and Tin Can, on November 27, 2024.
The campaign underscores the NPA’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s competitiveness in vessel and cargo traffic, aligning with the nation’s growing demand for port efficiency to serve its population of over 200 million people.
Focus on Key Terminals
During the tour, Dr. Dantsoho visited several facilities, including:
- BRAWAL Oil Services Ltd
- Onne Multipurpose Terminal
- INTELS
- INDORAMA
- West African Container Terminal (WACT)
- NOTORE
- Terminals at Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt
Call for Increased Investments
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dantsoho emphasized the need for substantial investments to keep Nigerian ports competitive against neighboring maritime hubs along the West and Central African coast.
“We must redouble our efforts to provide the requisite infrastructure and equipment to attract larger vessels and scale up cargo throughput to meet the demands of our population,” he stated.
Dr. Dantsoho assured investors of favorable conditions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated the NPA’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments in the maritime sector.
Recognition of Progress and Challenges
The Onne Port Complex Manager, Mr. Abdulrahmon Hussain, lauded the MD’s visit, describing it as a boost to ongoing efforts in enhancing port operations. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, security, and corporate social responsibility but noted areas requiring attention, including:
- Perimeter fencing for swamps and lands
- Road rehabilitation within Onne
- Acquisition of additional tugboats
- Improved diesel supply for bunkering
- Construction of modern fire service stations
Stakeholder Engagement
At the West African Container Terminal (WACT), Mr. Innocent Ogbuji, WACT’s General Manager of Government and Public Relations, expressed satisfaction with the MD’s visit and reaffirmed the terminal’s commitment to continued collaboration with the NPA.
Attendees
The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including:
- Customs Area Controller, Onne Customs Command Area II, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede
- Commissioner of Police, Eastern Ports, Mr. Moshood Jimoh
- Representatives of trade unions, maritime stakeholders, and senior NPA officials
Dr. Dantsoho, who was recently elected as the first Nigerian President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), concluded the tour by stressing the urgency of addressing the nation’s port capacity, noting that processing two million containers annually for a population of over 200 million is a significant anomaly.
This operational tour is a clear indication of the NPA’s resolve to elevate Nigeria’s maritime sector to global standards while driving increased revenue generation for the nation.
