By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called on local and international investors to take advantage of opportunities in its $1 billion port modernisation programme, aimed at upgrading maritime infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade.
The Managing Director of the Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the programme offered investment opportunities across port infrastructure, digital technology, multimodal logistics and green port development.
Dantsoho made the call while addressing participants at the 40th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair, where he outlined the Authority’s ongoing reforms to reposition Nigerian ports as competitive hubs for international commerce.
He identified the rehabilitation and expansion of port facilities in Apapa, Tin Can, Calabar, Rivers, Delta and Onne as priority areas requiring strategic partnerships and private sector participation.
The NPA chief also listed opportunities in smart port technology, including automated gates, the Port Community System, Vessel Traffic Management System and artificial intelligence-driven logistics solutions.
According to him, the development of dry ports, inland container depots, rail-port connections and cold-chain facilities also presents investment prospects for businesses seeking to participate in the country’s maritime and logistics sector.
He added that renewable energy, environmentally friendly port equipment and sustainable waste management were among the areas being considered under the modernisation programme in line with global decarbonisation efforts.
Beyond infrastructure development, Dantsoho said the Authority had introduced measures to improve export logistics and remove bottlenecks affecting the movement of non-oil export cargo.
He said the NPA had deployed Export Processing Terminals and dedicated cargo transit corridors to reduce cargo turnaround time, streamline documentation and facilitate the movement of export goods to the ports.
The terminals, he explained, provide one-stop processing, documentation and pre-gating services, while the dedicated corridors, operated in collaboration with security and traffic management agencies, are designed to ensure smoother cargo movement.
Dantsoho said the initiatives would strengthen the capacity of small and medium-scale enterprises to access international markets, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products and increase foreign exchange earnings from non-oil exports.
He described export diversification as a national priority, noting that Nigeria must move beyond its dependence on consumption towards building a strong manufacturing and export-oriented economy.
The NPA managing director assured prospective investors of the Authority’s commitment to providing a transparent and business-friendly environment, backed by regulatory stability and attractive returns on investment.
He said the modernisation programme, with the support of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, would improve port performance, facilitate trade and position Nigeria to benefit more from opportunities in the global maritime industry.
Dantsoho urged participants, international trade delegations and business leaders at the fair to explore investment opportunities in the country’s Blue Economy, reaffirming the NPA’s commitment to connecting Nigerian businesses with international markets.
