By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE Post) – Nigeria has declared its ports wide open for massive local and foreign investment as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise and reposition the nation’s maritime gateways as Africa’s leading trade hubs.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made this known while speaking at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, a high-level forum co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing together global investors, senior government officials and industry leaders.
Dantsoho said the Federal Government is fully committed to boosting productivity across Nigerian ports and encouraging increased private sector participation through viable public-private partnerships. He described Nigeria as “investment ready,” citing successful models such as the Lekki Deep Seaport as proof that port partnerships can deliver world-class results.
According to him, recent government initiatives—including approvals for comprehensive port modernisation and rehabilitation, the rollout of an Electronic Truck Access System, and the National Single Window (NSW) project scheduled to go live by the first quarter of 2026—demonstrate clear commitment to reforming the port sector.
He also revealed that approvals have been granted for the development of new, virgin ports in Badagry, Olokola, Bonny and other locations, signalling the government’s readiness to create fertile ground for both domestic and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Dantsoho stressed that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving efficiency, and strengthening transparency across maritime and logistics value chains.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s size and strategic location position it as the natural gateway to West Africa, with the capacity to serve landlocked countries and support continent-wide trade under AfCFTA. He emphasised the need for integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes and coordinated inland depots to ease port congestion and accelerate trade flows.
The strategic panel session, themed “Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” also featured Mohamed Almenhali, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group. Discussions focused on port modernisation, corridor connectivity and digital trade infrastructure, with tools such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-truck) highlighted for their role in reducing congestion and improving cargo movement efficiency.
The summit builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade. Tinubu’s decision to name Lagos as a co-host city for Investopia was described as a strong signal of Nigeria’s determination to attract global capital and convert bilateral agreements into concrete investments.
Dantsoho underscored that mobilising private capital through bankable projects and credible public-private partnership frameworks—particularly with strategic partners such as the UAE—will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and cement its status as a regional and global trade hub.
He concluded by reaffirming the NPA’s commitment to port reforms, operational efficiency and sustainable maritime practices, noting that Nigeria is ready to embrace development and investment that will transform its ports into engines of regional integration and economic growth.
Other prominent speakers at the summit included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Investopia CEO, Dr. Jean Fares; UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi; business leaders Femi Otedola and Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu.
