The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho has projected a 30 per cent growth in trade volume by 2030.
According to him, the maritime sector has the potential to generate over one million jobs by 2028 and double its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) from 1.5 per cent to three per cent by 2035.
He made this known on Thursday in Lagos at the 2024 edition of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) conference and awards, noting the ongoing improvements in port infrastructure.
Dantsoho, who was represented by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Ibrahim, unveiled a strategic plan aimed at revolutionising the country’s maritime sector, projecting significant trade growth, job creation and economic contributions in the coming years.
He said the growth would be achievable through strategic investments and partnerships that would drive efficiency, sustainability and innovation in port operations.
To achieve the ambitious goals, he said, the NPA is adopting a multi-pronged funding approach, including increased government budgetary allocations for critical port projects, harnessing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) expertise and funding.
Others, he listed, are partnering with development banks and global agencies and channelling revenue generated by ports back into infrastructure and service improvements.
He, however, acknowledged the challenges facing the maritime sector, such as infrastructure deficits, funding inadequacies and security concerns.
Dantsoho outlined actionable solutions to the challenges to include, accelerated investments in port infrastructure, strengthened maritime security through collaborations with global organisations and policy reforms to attract both foreign and domestic investors.
He further reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to driving the Blue Economy forward and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
