GALVANIZING INVESTMENT FOR PORT INFRASTRUCTURE
L-R: His Excellency Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwoolu, Managing Director / CEO Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and Martin Tricaud, Senior Investment Executive First Abu Dhabi Bank as Investopia Global Debuts in Africa at the Eko Convention Centre Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday 2nd February, 2026.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting increased investor participation in ports development, while outlining ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting productivity across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
Dr. Dantsoho spoke at the Investopia Global Lagos Summit, a high-level forum held in Lagos and co-hosted by Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which brought together global investors, senior government officials, and industry leaders. The summit focused on opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy transition, financial systems, and secure supply chains.
Addressing stakeholders from the UAE and the Lagos State Government, the NPA Managing Director highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to embrace development partnerships, stressing that the Federal Government is positioning the country as a leading ports destination in Africa through comprehensive modernization and rehabilitation programs.
He stated that Nigerian ports are investment-ready, offering vast opportunities for productive public-private partnerships (PPPs), citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a successful example. According to him, the Federal Government’s commitment to the sector is evident in initiatives such as the National Single Window (NSW), scheduled to go live by the first quarter of 2026, approvals for ports rehabilitation, and the introduction of electronic truck access systems to ease port congestion.
Dr. Dantsoho also disclosed that approvals have been granted for the development of new greenfield ports in locations including Badagry, Olokola, and Bonny, among others, describing these projects as clear indicators of the government’s resolve to make Nigeria’s ports attractive to both local and foreign investors.
Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he emphasized that modern, resilient ports and integrated logistics systems are critical to unlocking Africa’s trade potential, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing transparency and reliability across maritime and logistics value chains.
He noted that the NPA reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to development and strategic partnerships by showcasing its vision for resilient, efficient, and future-ready port infrastructure at the summit.
The strategic panel session, themed “Infrastructure & Logistics for Africa’s Next Phase of Trade,” also featured the Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Almenhali, who spoke on port modernization, corridor connectivity, and the deployment of digital trade infrastructure.
Technologies such as port community systems and the Electronic Truck Monitoring System (e-Truck) were highlighted for their role in improving efficiency, reducing congestion, and enhancing compliance in cargo movement from ports to inland depots.
Dr. Dantsoho further underscored that Nigeria’s size and strategic location position it as West Africa’s trade gateway, supporting AfCFTA implementation and providing access to landlocked markets. He emphasized the need for integrated logistics platforms, streamlined customs processes, and coordinated inland depots to improve trade flow and reduce congestion at seaports.
The summit builds on momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the UAE, during which Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. President Tinubu’s announcement of Lagos as a co-host city for Investopia underscores Nigeria’s commitment to attracting global capital and translating bilateral agreements into actionable investments.
Dr. Dantsoho stressed that mobilizing private capital through bankable projects, credible PPP frameworks, and strategic partnerships with global investors—particularly from the UAE—will strengthen Nigeria’s supply chains and position the country as a hub for regional and global trade.
He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to advancing port reforms, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable maritime practices, noting that these efforts will transform Nigeria’s ports into key drivers of regional integration and economic growth.
Other speakers at the summit included Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Chief Executive Officer of Investopia, 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, Mr. Samaila Zubairu.