Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, President, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) has called on African countries to convert their marine advantages into shared prosperity.
Dantsoho made the call in a statement on Tuesday by Mr Okechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He was speaking during the PMAWCA Board of Directors and Ports Statisticians Network Meetings held in Luanda, Angola.
Dantsoho, who is also the Managing Director of NPA, stressed that Africa’s sustainability relies significantly on the viability and resilience of its seaports.
He noted that West and Central African nations are linked not only by water, but also by shared challenges and emerging opportunities.
“There is no better time than now to transform our marine advantages into meaningful opportunities for our collective economic development,” he said.
Dantsoho stated that ports have demonstrated global leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showing their centrality to Africa’s growth.
He reiterated, as he told the PMAWCA Women Network in Lagos, that the region is bonded by mutual struggles and potential.
“With increasing global economic cooperation, failure to unite our ports would be a disservice to our collective progress,” he stated.
Dantsoho described the collaboration with the Statisticians Network as a smart approach to regional synergy and strategic partnership.
He emphasised that data remains the key driver of sound and effective decision-making within the port management ecosystem.
Dantsoho commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a step forward for maritime advancement.
He noted that the new ministry had renewed the resolve to develop talent and encourage innovation through institutions like PMAWCA.
“The Ministry’s creation has enabled the implementation of bold maritime initiatives and better investment in sector-specific skills and innovation,” he said.
He stated that the Statisticians Network enhances capacity-building opportunities across ports in member nations.
He highlighted the importance of port modernisation and automation through systems like the Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window (NSW).
Dantsoho reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to implementing the NSW in the shortest time possible.
He referenced the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting its aim to remove trade barriers and stimulate intra-African commerce.
Dantsoho said AfCFTA’s objectives offer Africa numerous opportunities for wealth creation, cooperation, and economic upliftment.
He welcomed the unity within PMAWCA, describing it as vital for national development and regional economic transformation.
Dantsoho said that the 2024 activities would be reviewed at the board meeting, with deliberations on strategy, recommendations, and budgets.
