Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and president of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for more regional collaboration to harness the huge potential of the maritime sector in Africa and fast-track the development and growth of the continent’s blue economy.
Dantsoho made this call at the 45th Annual Council Meeting of PMAWCA in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.
Represented by Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the NPA, Dantsoho highlighted climate action, digitalization, and trade facilitation as key drivers of sustainable port development. He emphasized that the association is prioritizing climate and energy, data collaboration, and risk resilience as key pillars for transforming Africa’s port operations.
Dantsoho reminded delegates of the Kobe 2025 pledge for Policy Implementation, Renewed Collaboration and Trade Facilitation, soliciting everyone’s goodwill to fulfil it. “The waters that connect our countries remind us of our duty to work together for the good of all.”
He urged participants to view themselves as custodians of Africa’s economic future, adding that resilient port infrastructure, security, and transparency remain crucial to competitiveness and integration across the continent.
Dantsoho reiterated his vision for African collaboration in good faith for the continent’s greater good. The robust cross-fertilization of ideas during technical sessions and meetings persuaded him that West and Central African ports are poised to face the future with confidence.
He emphasized that geographical interconnections and interdependence make cooperation a necessary precondition for collective advancement amid global dynamics.
Dantsoho seized the moment to specially appreciate the government and people of the Republic of Congo for their uncommon hospitality and support in hosting the meeting. He thanked PMAWCA Secretary-General, Mr. Koffi Jean Marie, the Port of Pointe-Noire team, and partners for a job well-done. He also paid special commendation to the Director Generals and Chief Executives of member ports for their remarkable unity of purpose and commitment to a shared vision.
He assured that this convergence of talent to optimize maritime and demographic opportunities will direct policy formulation and embolden government implementation, with decisions and the communique treated seriously.
As participants return home, he reminded them to sustain partnership by heeding Henry Ford’s wisdom: “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress; working together is success.” He concluded by thanking everyone and wishing them safe returns.
