NPA Boss Highlights Concessionaires’ Role In Driving Port Development, Maritime Trade

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has highlighted the importance of partnerships between port authorities and concessionaires in stimulating regional maritime trade, developing port infrastructure and accelerating the energy transition.

Dantsoho made this known during a panel discussion at the ongoing World Port Conference, where he joined other international maritime industry leaders to examine how port partnerships could strengthen regional trade and promote sustainable port operations.

The discussion featured Mark Assaf, Chief of the Human Resources Development Section at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Achmad Muchtasyar, President Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia; and Igor Van den Essen, Chief Executive for Africa and Europe at APM Terminals.

Speaking during the engagement, Dantsoho, who is also Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) for Africa, identified the NPA’s collaboration with port concessionaires as a critical driver of Nigeria’s port development.

He stressed that effective partnerships between port authorities and private operators were essential to improving port efficiency, attracting investment and supporting the transition towards more sustainable maritime operations.

The engagement provided an opportunity for maritime stakeholders to exchange perspectives on strengthening international cooperation and unlocking the potential of regional maritime trade.