Africa Port Modernization Urged

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa and Managing Director of the Nigeria — Nigerian Ports Authority, warned that Africa risks losing relevance in global maritime trade without significant investment in modern port infrastructure, deep sea facilities, and technology. He emphasized that obsolete facilities hinder economic growth and the ability to accommodate larger vessels. Nigeria, along with other West and Central African countries like Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin, is undertaking modernization projects. Nigeria is refurbishing Nigeria — Port of Apapa and Nigeria — Tin Can Island Port, and the Ondo Deep Sea Port is highlighted as a major milestone. Dantsoho stressed the need for Africa to pursue larger projects, citing examples like Singapore's extensive ports and Guinea's $20 billion deep sea port project. He also underscored the importance of technology, automation, AI, and robotics in port administration, noting that the Nigeria — Nigerian Ports Authority has achieved nearly 90% automation. Nigeria's strategic location and large market, serving landlocked countries like Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso, give it a significant advantage that must be sustained through infrastructure development. Regional cooperation under the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa is crucial for sharing experiences and improving efficiency. Minister Gboyega Oyetola also advocated for innovation and regional collaboration to transform Africa's maritime sector.