All Hail! The New PMAWCA King

L-R Outgoing PMWACA Chairman and Managing Director Gabon Ports Authority Mr Martin Boguikoma handing over staff of office to to the New PMAWCA Chairman Dr Abubakar Dantsoho MD NPA while the Secretary General of PMAWCA  Mr Jean Marie koffi looks on

  By Abdullahi Sabiu

Nigeria has gained another continental recognition with the election of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho,  as the Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).

Dantsoho, is the first Nigerian to attain the the coveted position at the election marking the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of Directors General of PMAWCA in Guinea Conakry, Thursday, November 21.

In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho said the recognition represents a significant milestone in the continuing march of West and Central Africa Maritime states towards global competitiveness and delivery of world class services. 

He added that the Nigeria's commitment to a revolutionary turnaround of its maritime industry, has been characterised by reforms in critical segments of the industry, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation and automation.

These measures, Dantsoho added, would undoubtedly boost operational efficiency as well as revenue generation, while augmenting the federal government’s efforts to diversify the economy by boosting non-oil exports.

“It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before my friends from the countries of West and Central Africa today to  accept the mantle of leadership of our great association, PMAWCA and to serve as its chairman," he declared as he took oath of office.

The NPA MD affirmed his determination to sustain the momentum established by his predecessor, Martin Boguikuoma, Managing Director of Gabon Ports Authority.

He pledged to upscale the efforts to  further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and to actualize the interests of member ports .

While calling for collaboration among member states, Dantsoho expressed the need for  robust commitment and collaboration among them to facilitate the achievement of the association.

“I will be seeking your usual cooperation and advice in helping to ensure that we continue to develop the maritime sector in our various countries and the West and Central African sub-region in general," he appealed to member states.

“Recalling our deliberations at the Board of Directors meeting, the need to relocate the PMAWCA headquarters to a more visible and befitting place in lagos Nigeria, the training needs of the Association and the PCS is dear to my heart and will do my very best in this direction to achieve these goals,” he said. 

In a statement to congratulate Dantsoho, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described Dantsoho’s election as a testament to the fact that the effort to turn around the port economy in Nigeria is being recognised by global stakeholders.

Oyetola said the recognition will further fuel Nigeria’s effort to reclaim its maritime global relevance under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. 

He said the political will of the President to create the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“I congratulate Dantsoho for his election, it is a responsibility that I am sure he can deliver on. His election has proven the renewed hope agenda of Mr President to turn around the port economy by creating the Marine and Blue Economy was a step in the right direction," the minister said.

He described the creation of the ministry by the administration of President Bola Tinubu as a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector. 

"This decision is not only a demonstration of the President’s deep understanding of the economic possibilities of the sector, but also a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a key maritime player globally," Oyetola maintained.

“The maritime industry has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods," the minister said, adding, "With our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa."