The Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for the urgent modernization of West Africa's ports. He made this statement during an exclusive chat with Persecondnews in Lagos, where he attended the Mid-Year Session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa.

Dantsoho, who was appointed as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, warned that the region's maritime sector is critically struggling to match the high-speed realities of modern shipping. He used Nigeria as a case study, explaining that major ports such as Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Port Harcourt ports were constructed decades ago. At that time, vessels were much smaller, cargo volumes were lower, and global maritime operations were far less demanding. They're not equipped to handle today's shipping industry.

These ports weren't designed to handle the scale and sophistication of today's shipping industry. Vessels are now 300 to 400 meters long and can carry up to 24,000 containers at once. This requires stronger engineering structures. It also requires deeper channels and modern infrastructure capable of supporting that kind of weight and traffic.

“You can't compare homes built 50 years ago with the kind of homes people build today. The same thing applies to ports,” he stated.

Dantsoho stressed that shallow channels remain a major operational challenge. Larger vessels require deeper waters to berth safely without running aground. He also noted that the inability of many African ports to accommodate larger vessels is directly affecting cargo capacity. It's affecting turnaround efficiency, and overall competitiveness in the global maritime market. They can't compete with other ports that have modern facilities.

The NPA CEO disclosed that nearly $28 billion worth of port-related infrastructure projects are currently ongoing across West and Central Africa. He described these investments as signs that governments and industry players are finally beginning to confront the scale of the problem. Dantsoho also made a strong case for private sector participation, insisting that government funding alone won't be enough to transform the region's maritime sector. It's clear that private funding is needed.

He pointed to the rapid rise of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as evidence of what modern infrastructure can achieve. The port began operations only a few years ago. It's already handling about 40 percent of Nigeria's container traffic. This is because of its modern facilities and ability to receive larger vessels. The port's success is a good example of what can be achieved with modern infrastructure.

Dantsoho warned that African ports must also urgently embrace automation, digitalization, and technology-driven systems if they hope to remain competitive. They won't be competitive without these systems. He emphasized that technology and automation are no longer optional. This is the reality of modern port operations. They're essential for any port that wants to succeed.

  • Nearly $28 billion worth of port-related infrastructure projects are ongoing across West and Central Africa.
  • The Lekki Deep Sea Port handles about 40 percent of Nigeria's container traffic.
  • Vessels are now 300 to 400 meters long and can carry up to 24,000 containers at once.
  • The NPA CEO attended the Mid-Year Session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Lagos.
  • Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho was appointed as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The PMAWCA meeting in Lagos brought together maritime leaders, port authorities, and stakeholders from across West and Central Africa. They discussed regional trade, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and the future of Africa's maritime industry. The meeting was an opportunity for them to share ideas and discuss solutions to the challenges facing the industry. They're working together to find ways to improve the region's maritime sector.