NPA seeks collaboration to boost regional trade

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for enhanced technological collaboration among African littoral states to accelerate transit cargo transportation, particularly in regions requiring multiple waterway transits.

Speaking on Monday at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of the Directors General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Conakry, Guinea, Dantsoho emphasised the need for African countries to leverage their strengths to improve trade facilitation to landlocked nations.

“We must work together to improve trade access for landlocked countries, sharing technological advancements and information to enhance service delivery, particularly by improving connectivity between littoral states for smoother transit cargo transportation,” Dantsoho stated.

The NPA MD also called for continued investment in international highways and rail routes that connect coastal and inland regions, ensuring efficient service delivery at lower costs to landlocked countries.

Noting that Africa is home to 16 of the world’s 44 landlocked countries, Dantsoho described it as a moral obligation for coastal states to provide these nations with access to the sea.

He proposed initiatives such as the completion of key international highways, including the Niger, Lagos, Tema, and Abidjan routes, to facilitate better trade flows.

Dantsoho also highlighted the importance of establishing multilateral agreements and strengthening partnerships between neighbouring coastal countries to enhance regional trade.

He emphasised the need for coordinated investments in port infrastructure and transportation networks to improve efficiency across the region.

The proposed Abidjan to Lagos highway, part of an initiative by the Economic Community of West African States, was welcomed by Dantsoho as a step toward linking the most economically dynamic cities and ports in West Africa.

He also underscored the need for regulatory harmonization and aligned policies to ensure seamless cargo movement.

In addition, Dantsoho pointed out that regional collaboration on issues like transshipment cargo, security, safety, and environmental protection is crucial to attracting economic development, improving port efficiency, and negotiating better rates with shipping lines.

He stressed the interdependent nature of maritime shipping and hinterland operations, noting that overcoming challenges in port operations requires strong connectivity between both sectors.

“A balanced approach, combining infrastructure development, digital transformation, and diplomatic cooperation, is necessary to optimize hinterland connectivity,” he concluded.

The Managing Director of Port Autonome de Conakry, Mamadou Biro Diallo, also stressed the importance of port connectivity to hinterland logistics.

He explained that the growth of ports must be supported by robust infrastructure, including roads, railways, and waterways, to ensure seamless trade flow.