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Dantsoho pledges globally competitive, digitally driven port system for Nigeria

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 6:22 GMT by legit
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NPA Boss Dantsoho Unveils Ambitious Digital Blueprint for a Globally Competitive Nigerian Ports Network

In a highly publicized press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, the head of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adrian Dantsoho, announced a sweeping digital transformation strategy that promises to overhaul the entire Nigerian port ecosystem. With a vision to catapult Nigerian ports into the ranks of world‑class logistics hubs, the plan seeks to harness cutting‑edge technology, streamline operations, and dramatically cut cargo turnaround times.

The Context: Port Performance on a Global Scale

Nigerian ports have long been a bottleneck in West African trade. According to the Nigerian Ports Authority Annual Report 2023, average vessel turnaround times in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri hovered between 20–30 days—well above the global benchmark of 7–10 days set by ports such as Singapore and Rotterdam. The delay not only inflates freight costs but also dampens investor confidence and hampers the country’s aspirations to become a regional trade hub.

“Port performance is the lifeblood of the economy,” Dantsoho told reporters. “If we want Nigeria to thrive in a digital age, our ports must not only keep pace but lead.” The CEO’s remarks come against the backdrop of the Nigerian government’s recent “Port Development Strategy 2030,” which earmarked billions of naira for infrastructure upgrades.

The Digital Blueprint: Key Pillars of the Plan

Dantsoho outlined five interconnected pillars that will guide the transformation of Nigeria’s ports over the next decade:

“Digital twin technology will let us simulate port operations before we build them,” Dantsoho explained. “We’ll know exactly where a bottleneck will occur and fix it before a ship even arrives.”

Financing the Transformation

The NPA’s budget for the digital initiative is projected at ₦100 billion (approximately $660 million) over a ten‑year horizon. This figure will be drawn from a mix of sources:

• Federal Allocation – 40 % of the budget will be sourced from the national treasury, aligned with the 2024 budgetary agenda.
• International Funding – The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank have already signaled interest, with AfDB offering a $150 million loan under its “Port Modernisation” program.
• Private‑Sector Partnerships – Dantsoho announced a public‑private partnership (PPP) framework that will attract technology firms such as IBM, Huawei, and local fintech startups. Under this model, tech firms will invest in exchange for long‑term service contracts.

The CEO stressed that the plan would be “fully transparent,” with quarterly reports published on the NPA website (link available on the portal).

Collaboration and Governance

The strategy will operate under a new “Nigerian Port Innovation Council” (NPIC), chaired by the NPA CEO and comprising representatives from:

• The Federal Ministry of Transportation – for policy alignment.
• The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) – to integrate customs clearance.
• The Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA) – for safety standards.
• Industry Bodies – such as the Nigerian Export‑Import Bank (NEXIM) and the Association of Nigerian Ports (ANP).

The council will oversee the project’s implementation, monitor key performance indicators, and ensure that the transformation stays on track.

Expected Benefits

1. Competitive Edge – By aligning with global best practices, Nigerian ports can compete for higher shipping lane allocations and attract more trans‑shipment traffic.
2. Economic Growth – Faster clearance and reduced logistics costs could boost Nigeria’s trade surplus by up to 5 % annually.
3. Job Creation – While automation may displace some low‑skill roles, the NPA anticipates a net increase of 10 000 high‑skill jobs by 2030.
4. Sustainability – Digital monitoring will help reduce emissions by enabling smarter traffic management and energy use.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Dantsoho acknowledged that “no great endeavour is without obstacles.” Key challenges include:

• Infrastructure Deficits – Many ports still lack reliable power and broadband connectivity. The plan includes a dedicated budget for renewable energy installations and fiber‑optic cabling.
• Regulatory Hurdles – The digital twin and blockchain initiatives will require amendments to existing maritime laws. The NPIC will work closely with lawmakers to smooth the path.
• Cybersecurity – Protecting port data will be a top priority. The NPA will invest in advanced cybersecurity frameworks, including intrusion detection systems and regular audits.

The Road Ahead

The first milestone will be the digitalisation of the Port of Lagos, which will serve as a pilot for the rest of the network. According to Dantsoho, a functional ICMS and blockchain‑enabled customs clearance should be operational by the end of 2025.

“We’re standing on the cusp of a new era,” Dantsoho concluded. “This plan is not merely a technology upgrade—it’s a statement that Nigeria is ready to own its destiny in the global supply chain.”

Further Reading

• Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) – For real‑time updates on the transformation, visit the NPA’s official portal.
• African Development Bank – Port Modernisation Program – Learn more about AfDB’s financing mechanisms.
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) – See how global maritime regulations are evolving to support digital ports.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its port infrastructure could redefine the country’s economic trajectory and place its ports firmly on the map of global trade.