Nigeria handles 25% of regional cargo traffic despite 60% West African GDP share

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, stated that Nigeria currently handles only about 25% of cargo traffic in the West African region, despite accounting for over 60% of West Africa’s gross domestic product. He made these remarks at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, highlighting that Nigeria has not fully optimized its potential. Dantsoho assured investors that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is implementing reforms to reposition the sector. Key initiatives include port modernization, deployment of a Trade Single Window, implementation of a Port Community System, development of deep seaports, and full digitalization of port operations. He emphasized the central role of private sector funding to achieve these goals, noting that the NPA is actively encouraging project financing to bridge infrastructure gaps and improve efficiency. The reforms aim to enhance port efficiency, improve connectivity, reduce freight costs, and boost non-oil exports, ultimately driving revenue growth. Dantsoho stressed that competitiveness in the global maritime industry requires efficient operations, competitive pricing, and strong hinterland connectivity, adding that Nigerian ports must remain adaptive to evolving global shipping trends to emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.