The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has called on private investors in the maritime and ports sector to invest in Nigerian ports, promising to provide an accommodating environment for their operations.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt, during a facility tour of the Onne and Port Harcourt ports.
He emphasized that the maritime and ports sector has great potential for the country, but requires massive private investment to achieve its benefits.
“What is required is investment from the private sector,” Dantsoho said. “Nigeria, for us to improve capacity in ports and the maritime industry, we need private sector investments in infrastructure, investment in equipment, more investment in technology, and more investment in human capital.”
Dantsoho cited the example of the Onne Multi-Purpose Terminal, which was started five years ago as a greenfield project but has now become a thriving hub of activity.
He noted that the terminal is a multiple-purpose terminal, receiving cargoes for general cargo, containers, and other types of cargo.
The NPA boss also promised that the authority would ensure protection and a safe working environment for private investments to operate.
He called on all stakeholders to join forces to make Nigeria a leading player in the maritime and ports industry in Africa.
“We are going to be more accommodating, we are going to be more encouraging to them so that they can come and invest, so we can say Nigeria is really leading the West and Central Africa in this sector,” Dantsoho said.
In addition, Dantsoho revealed that the federal government plans to invest heavily in improving the Tinkan and Apapa ports, with a focus on expanding and deepening the country’s maritime capacity.
He emphasized the importance of having the best technology to drive growth in the sector.
“We have said what we require is private companies that can give us good facilities, development human capacity building, and CSR,” Dantsoho said.
“The focus of the government is to expand and deepen our capacity in the maritime industry. It is our God-given area. This government is concerned about growing this industry.”
The NPA’s push for private investment in Nigerian ports is part of a broader effort to boost the country’s maritime economy.
With Nigeria’s huge population and strategic location, the maritime sector has the potential to drive significant economic growth and development.
The facility tour, which was part of the NPA’s efforts to promote investment in the maritime sector, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to see firsthand the potential of the Onne and Port Harcourt ports.
The tour was attended by top officials of the NPA, including the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Ms. Vivian Richard-Edet.