Nigeria, Belgium sign port upgrade Deal

By Fredrick Ameh

In a move set to redefine West African maritime trade, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, hosted the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, at the NPA Headquarters in Marina on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The high-level meeting focused on a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating infrastructural investment across Nigeria’s colonial and deep-sea ports. Central to the discussions was the integration of Belgian maritime expertise to modernize aging facilities and streamline cargo evacuation.

Technological Integration by adopting Antwerp-style "Smart Port" digital solutions to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Infrastructure Financing by Facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) for the expansion of port berths and rail linkages.

Green Shipping by Implementing sustainable dredging practices to align Nigerian maritime operations with international environmental standards.

Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that the partnership is a cornerstone of the NPA’s "Port Renewal Agenda," aimed at regaining lost transit cargo from neighboring landlocked nations.

"Nigeria is open for business," Dr. Dantsoho stated.

"By aligning with Belgium, we are not just buying equipment; we are importing a culture of efficiency that will make our ports the preferred destination in the Gulf of Guinea."

Ambassador Leenknegt reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment, noting that Nigeria’s growing economy represents a "blue chip" opportunity for European maritime investors seeking stable, long-term growth.