By Seun Ibiyemi
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has emphasized that Africa cannot achieve sustainable port growth without deeper regional cooperation, describing collaboration as the continent’s surest path to maritime and economic development.
Dantsoho, who also serves as the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), made this assertion at the closing session of the Association’s 45th Annual Council held in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.
Represented by the NPA’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho said the energy, goodwill, and commitment displayed throughout the week-long engagement underscored a growing readiness among African ports to confront emerging maritime challenges.
“I have always looked forward to a time when the African community collaborates in good faith for the greater good of our continent,” he said. “Judging from the cross-fertilization of ideas during the technical sessions, I am persuaded that ports in West and Central Africa are ready to face the future with confidence.”
The NPA boss noted that the resolutions reached at the Council would significantly influence government policies and port administration across PMAWCA member states.
He commended delegates for their active participation, saying it reflected a shared determination to enhance trade efficiency and drive economic prosperity in the region.
Dantsoho stressed that as global trends continue to reshape port operations, logistics, climate response, and trade competitiveness, Africa must strengthen integration to build resilient ports that can support the continent’s growth ambitions.
“Our maritime reality demands stronger cooperation,” he added. “Regional collaboration remains the only route to building ports that are efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive.”
He extended appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Congo for hosting the event, as well as to PMAWCA Secretary-General Koffi Jean Marie, the Port of Pointe-Noire management, and other partners for their seamless coordination.
Dantsoho also praised the unity shown by Directors-General and Chief Executives of member ports, noting that their contributions were instrumental to the success of the meeting.
Assuring delegates of PMAWCA’s commitment to implementing the adopted communique and recommendations, Dantsoho said the gathering reaffirmed the power of regional unity. Quoting industrialist Henry Ford, he concluded:
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
The 45th PMAWCA Annual Council brought together maritime leaders from 22 West and Central African nations to discuss strategies for enhancing port efficiency, environmental sustainability, and trade competitiveness across the sub-region.