L-R: Martin Boguikoma, outgoing PMWACA chairman and managing director Gabon Ports Authority, handing over staff of office to Abubakar Dantsoho, the new PMAWCA chairman and managing director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, while Jean Marie Koffi, the secretary general of PMWACA, looks on
Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been announced as the first Nigerian to be elected chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
Dantsoho’s election was announced at the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of directors general of PMAWCA held in Conakry, Guinea.
In his acceptance speech, Dantsoho expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a significant milestone in the region’s quest for global competitiveness in maritime services.
In a statement on Thursday, Dantsoho said the Nigerian government is committed to transformative reforms in the maritime sector, including port modernisation, infrastructure development, and digital automation as key drivers of operational efficiency and non-oil export growth.
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He added that the government is putting in place efforts to boost operational efficiency as well as revenue generation.
“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,” Dantsoho said.
“I would like to seize this occasion to affirm Nigeria’s will and determination clearly demonstrated by the Hon Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to sustain the momentum established by my predecessor Mr Martin Boguikuoma Managing Director of Gabon Ports Authority and to continue to put all efforts needed in order to further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and to actualize the interests of member ports.”
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The NPA DG also called for collaboration among member states.
He said it is only through robust commitment and collaboration that mandates can be achieved.
“Therefore, 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 added.
“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.”
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On his part, Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, congratulated Dantsoho on his election.
The minister said the election underscores global recognition of Nigeria’s maritime reforms.
Oyetola further lauded the president’s commitment to diversifying the economy.
He said Dantsoho’s leadership in PMAWCA would help steer Nigeria toward realising its maritime potential, creating jobs, and contributing to national prosperity through a thriving blue economy.
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