Maritime activities have significantly increased in Nigeria, complimenting the efforts of Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) towards transforming the industry, one port at a time.
Since it began operations in 1955, the NPA has been responsible for developing, owning, and operating ports and harbors, providing safe and navigable channels, offering cargo handling and storage services, maintaining port facilities and equipment as well as ensuring safety and security around ports. Under the leadership of Dr Dantsoho, the NPA is on a transformative journey towards better efficiency and growth.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was established by the Nigerian National Assembly in 1954, to manage ports and harbors in Nigeria. It was also charged with addressing the lack of a coherent policy framework for port development. This is summed up in the NPA’s mandate to provide and operate the necessary facilities in ports, and to maintain, improve, and regulate the use of the ports. It also includes providing for matters connected therewith.
In the quest to serve its purpose, the NPA has faced several challenges including port congestion due to procedural issues, corruption among its officers, poor infrastructure, insecurity, poor data management, bureaucratic bottlenecks, lack of capital and poor integrated transport system. These necessitated urgent reforms within the maritime sector to meet current prevailing world standards.
In a determined advancement towards its mandate, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has implemented several reforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and safety. For instance, the NPA automated procedures and systems, and published standards to help companies assess the legitimacy of payment demands, all to improve efficiency and mitigate corruption. It developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for vessel clearance and cargo handling and implemented a safety audit program for trucks doing business at the port. It also developed a portal that allows companies to track the status of port service inquiries and complaints. In addition to the implemented reforms, the NPA also considered dividing the authority into autonomous port authorities that are responsible for different geographical zones and developing roads, railways, waterways, and pipelines to connect ports to the hinterland.
Notwithstanding these strategic reforms, most of the aforementioned challenges continue to plague the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Maritime sector until the inception of Dr Abubakar Dantsoho-led administration. Dantsoho’s administration heralded landmark reforms within the NPA which has refined the
performance of the NPA in fulfilling its mandate.
These reforms focused on port rehabilitation and modernization, including infrastructure upgrades, digitization, automation, and a strong emphasis on improving operational efficiency to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
Key aspects of these reforms include renovating outdated port facilities, upgrading quay walls, cargo-handling equipment, and navigational aids to optimise the infrastructural quality of Nigeria ports. Operational reforms carried out include implementing automated systems for cargo tracking and billing to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and increase transparency.
Asides infrastructural and operational reforms, other strategic reforms include establishing Export Process Terminals (EPTs) to facilitate easier export procedures for Nigerian goods. There are also ongoing reforms aimed at increasing port capacity to handle larger vessels while improving operational efficiency and safety.
Under his leadership, the NPA also prioritizes collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the maritime industry to foster a more transparent and efficient port environment.
These far-reaching innovative reforms within a relatively short time by Dr Dantsoho’s administration are not far-fetched considering his career roadmap within the NPA. This career trajectory started as far back as 1992 with the role of National Youth Service Corps trainee and subsequently as a Marketing Officer in the Headquarters. It continued across several major roles within and few without the NPA, until the current topmost position of MD.
This indicates a wealth of experience of service making him best suited for his current role, not to mention his wealth of academic qualifications from several institutions across the world.
Conclusively, every iota of doubt stands erased as to whether this era of quantum innovation will continue in the NPA. It has been made clear that under the championship of Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA as well as the Nigerian Maritime sector is set to be overwhelmed by far-reaching innovative progress. Thus, Nigeria’s Industrial cum economic sector should be poised for the resultant growth which will arise therefrom.
Deborah Anyanwu is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspapers
