NCTR Supports Leadership in Nigerian Maritime Sector
The National Coalition for Transformation (NCTR) has expressed its endorsement of Abubakar Dansoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The coalition praised his leadership, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Dansoho marks a significant advancement in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Strengthening Federal Initiatives
The federation highlighted that under Dansoho’s stewardship, the federal government has made considerable progress in modernizing the nation’s ports, boosting operational efficiency, and positioning Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Commitment to Maritime Reform
This endorsement emerged from a statement issued by the Coalition’s Secretary-General, Dr. Richard Ocheje, in Abuja on Wednesday. Dr. Ocheje acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s comprehensive reform agenda focusing on the maritime and blue economy.
Infrastructure and Digital Transformation
Dr. Ocheje noted that the current administration has demonstrated a robust commitment to revitalizing the maritime industry through infrastructure renewal, digital innovation, and regulatory reform aimed at boosting trade, attracting investment, and enhancing government revenue.
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
He highlighted various significant infrastructure projects, including a UK-backed £746 million loan agreement signed in March 2026 to support the rehabilitation and modernization of the Lagos Port Complex, as well as the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Expansion of Port Capacities
Furthermore, Ocheje pointed out the Federal Government’s $1 billion Port Reconstruction Program, set to expedite the rehabilitation of five major ports—Apapa, Tin Can Island, Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt/Onne—over the next 48 months. The government is also pursuing the development of five deep-sea ports: Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi, and Bonny, aimed at enhancing cargo handling and fortifying Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Technology-Driven Initiatives
The NCTR Director-General praised the administration’s focus on technology-driven reforms, notably the introduction of the National Single Window Platform, designed to simplify cargo clearance processes, reduce vessel waiting times, and bolster overall efficiency within Nigeria’s ports.
Regulatory Enhancements and Future Outlook
On the regulatory side, Mr. Ocheje welcomed the recent passage of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Authority (NPERA) Bill by the National Assembly. He regarded this legislation as a crucial step toward enhancing governance within the maritime sector, with the objective of establishing an independent economic regulator to oversee port charges, enforce service standards, and promote transparency and competition.
He expressed optimism that continued implementation of these ongoing reforms would significantly enhance Nigeria’s business environment, solidify its status as a regional maritime hub, and create more opportunities for investment, trade, and economic development. The federal government has identified the marine and blue economy as a vital component of its economic diversification strategy and a crucial source of non-oil revenue. Since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, a range of initiatives has been launched to modernize port infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and encourage private investments in the maritime sector.
