Nigeria's Maritime Growth Driven by Reforms and Oyetola

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), stated that the growth of Nigeria's maritime sector is largely due to the federal government's reform agenda and the efforts of Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Dantsoho highlighted that the ongoing reforms are designed to increase private sector participation, which he described as a critical driver for transforming the sector.

He spoke at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, asserting that the Nigerian port system is pivotal in unlocking strategic investments that can accelerate economic growth. Dantsoho noted that Nigeria, with its 823 kilometers of coastline and extensive inland waterways, is well-positioned to become a maritime hub in West Africa.

However, he pointed out that Nigeria currently handles only 25 percent of the cargo traffic in the region, despite accounting for 60 percent of West Africa's GDP.