The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has emerged as the first Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
The recognition came during the closing ceremony of the 44th annual council and 19th roundtable of the Directors General of PMAWCA in Conakry-Guinea, last week.
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.
The DG reiterated Nigerian government’s commitment to a revolutionary turnaround of Nigeria’s maritime industry has been characterised by reforms in critical segments of the industry, including port rehabilitation and modernisation, infrastructure, digitisation and automation.
These measures, he 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.
According to him, “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.
“I would like to seize this occasion to affirm Nigeria’s will and determination 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 to further consolidate the economic cohesion of the region and to actualise the interests of member ports.”
