The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on Wednesday, emerged as the primary Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the Port Administration Affiliation of West and Central Africa.
His election was confirmed through the closing of the forty fourth Annual Council and nineteenth Roundtable of Administrators Basic of PMAWCA in Conakry, Guinea.
In a press release launched on Thursday, NPA introduced the achievement, underscoring the importance of the popularity for each Dantsoho and the Nigerian maritime business.
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho described the election as a pivotal second for the area’s maritime sector, emphasising its significance in enhancing international competitiveness and delivering world-class companies.
He attributed Nigeria’s robust place to the federal government’s ongoing reforms aimed toward revitalising the nation’s maritime business.
These efforts in response to him, embrace port rehabilitation, modernisation, infrastructure growth, digitisation, and automation.
“These reforms are essential in boosting operational effectivity and growing income era, which aligns with the federal authorities’s objective of diversifying the economic system by way of the expansion of non-oil exports,” Dantsoho acknowledged.
He additionally pledged to construct on the progress made by his predecessor, Mr. Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director of the Gabon Ports Authority.
Dantsoho expressed his dedication to sustaining the momentum of regional financial integration, affirming Nigeria’s continued help for PMAWCA’s targets.
“I want to take this chance to reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication, as demonstrated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Financial system, Adegboyega Oyetola, to proceed the progress set by my predecessor and to advance the financial cohesion of our area,” Dantsoho mentioned.
He additionally referred to as for larger collaboration amongst member states to realize the affiliation’s targets, stressing {that a} united method is important for the event of the maritime sector in West and Central Africa.
Dantsoho highlighted key initiatives he intends to prioritise throughout his tenure, together with relocating the PMAWCA headquarters to a extra seen and applicable location in Lagos, Nigeria, in addition to addressing the coaching wants of the Affiliation.
He pledged to work diligently to realize these targets and additional improve the area’s maritime capabilities.
In the meantime, Oyetola congratulated Dantsoho on his election, recognizing it as a transparent indication that Nigeria’s efforts to revamp its port economic system are gaining worldwide recognition.
The Minister praised Dantsoho’s management and affirmed that the achievement will enhance Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim its maritime prominence on the worldwide stage below President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.
Oyetola emphasised that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Financial system is a essential step in unlocking the huge potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He expressed confidence that Dantsoho’s election as PMAWCA Chairman would contribute to Nigeria’s objective of turning into a key participant in international maritime affairs.
“The creation of the ministry is not only a strategic transfer, however an illustration of President Tinubu’s dedication to remodeling the port economic system and reinforcing Nigeria’s place as a maritime hub,” Oyetola concluded.
The Minister reiterated that the maritime sector holds immense potential for financial progress, job creation, and improved livelihoods, and with continued management and reforms, Nigeria can capitalise on these alternatives.