Maritime Agencies
NPA’s NEW MANAGEMENT: THE EAGERNESS TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE?
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
There are strong indications that the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho is out to change the narrative in the ports regulatory agency, if anything, to justify great expectations that as an inhouse professional with deep knowledge of the system, he has no reasons whatsoever not to make a huge difference now he is at the helm.
When he mounted the saddle last July, Falcon Watch Online Daily recalls, Dr Dantsoho pledged: “As we march towards this great journey, I wish to state that our main goal is to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority for increased productivity and greater efficiency for increased revenue generation.” Barely four months hence, stakeholders say there are reasons to believe that a new dawn may unfold for me good in the NPA.
NPA DEEPENS INTEREST IN NON-OIL EXPORTS
“Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” was the eloquent sing-song of the NPA at the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair earlier in November.
This slogan, industry watchers say, emphasizes the readiness of the NPA to draw special attention to and encourage alternative sources of national revenue principal among which is non-oil exports that must be made to become visible, relevant and impactful in the reckoning of the business community. By this, the port industry regulator made her stand unique and sent a clear and unambiguous message that it has the promotion of non-oil exports as one of her priorities in the new leadership headed by the new Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
Okon Asuquo, Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing, who led other officials on behalf of the MD, took time to go round stands to sensitize and educate members of the business community present at the Fair on NPA’s current stand on non-oil exports and the need to encourage the growth of alternative sources of national revenue for the good of the economy.
On the participation of Nigeria’s neighbours at the Fair, Mrs Eunice Mbah, one of the NPA officials observed: “The Port Autonome De Cotonou is visiting the Lagos Trade Fair for the first time to explore business ties in Nigeria, and the Management of Nigerian Ports Authority, led by Dr. Dantsoho”. She said that the NPA MD was already working assiduously to ensure the realization of the theme “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.
Mbah harped on the cardinal objective of Dr Dantsoho which is to ensure that Nigeria emerges the hub of port business in West and Central Africa.
EXPORT PROCESSING TERMINALS
At the 2024 International Trade Fair, the NPA MD projected the concept of her Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) already designed to function in agreement with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) to avail a one-stop shop for processing and certifying export-bound cargo in quick turnaround time to make Nigerian exports competitive in the global market.
HINTERLAND CONNECTIVITY
NPA also revealed at the Fair that it is focusing on hinterland connectivity as well as creating pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to underline the relevance in the value chain.
EPTs are also being linked with Domestic export warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and other relevant partners.
AUTOMATION OF PROCESSES
Through the Ports Community System (PCS), NPA is vigorously pursuing full automation of processes and procedures to put in place a system for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW), a recogniszed global strategy aimed at blocking revenue leakages while delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease. This connects all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction.
REDEPLOYMENT OF SENIOR STAFF
When the MD recently redeployed and appointed top management staff, he stated that it was a deliberate move to place round pegs in round holes, tap from rich experience to enable the agency align with the specialized policy objectives of the new Marine & Blue Economy Ministry.
DEEP SEAPORTS
At the maiden press conference of the Lekki Deepsea Port in 2023, then Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko who spoke
through Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the current Head of Public Communications and Strategy,
paid special tribute to the founders of the Port, promising to work in harmony with other relevant stakeholders to achieve the dreams of the new port in the interest of Nigerian economy.
Being an industry person who appreciates the need to reap from the gains the deepsea offers has to offer, Dr Dantsoho has, as expected, keyed in, pledging to tap into the numerous benefits of the deep seaport which includes promoting the ideals of economy of scale and ease of doing business this brings to the entire system.
WORKERS WELFARE
In addition to rejigging the management structure to maximize use of experience and improve productivity, feelers from the new management of the NPA show commitment towards improving the welfare of the workforce through timely payment of emoluments made up of salaries and allowances. Training and capacity development, especially for employees who add more value in their areas of operations, is also top on the agenda to improve efficiency and ability of personnel to meet expected targets.
SYNERGY WITH SECURITY AGENCIES
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Augustina Ogbodo who heads the Maritime Police Command at the Force Headquarters Annex in Obalende, Lagos, recently paid a courtesy visit to the NPA to seek stronger collaboration between the NPA and the Maritime Police on one hand and the larger society in the interest of improved security in the ports.
In line with the new dispensation, the NPA General Manager, Security, warmly received her on behalf of the MD and pledged maximum cooperation in the interest of the ports regulator and Nigeria’s maritime community.
Maritime Agencies
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To deepen public understanding of the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation initiative, an anti-corruption group, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI), in conjunction with Hynek Media, is set to hold a one-day enlightenment seminar in Lagos on the theme “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure”.
To feature also are sub-themes which include Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability and
Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Billed for April 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, the seminar brings together policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders and civil society to discuss what experts describe as tamper-proof strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
As stated in a release by Funso Olojo and Pastor John Iwori, secretary and media/publicity chief of the NGO respectively, the seminar will be chaired by Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee, with Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), as Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Comptroller -General as guest of honour, Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour) , Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah, ES/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) , Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA and
Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone .
The NSW is designed to streamline and centralize importation and exportation processes as well as transit documentation in order to reduce duplication while enhancing transparency.
Projections are that the initiative could cut transaction costs by up to 25% and boost government revenue by as much as 20 %.
Event Highlights will feature insights from Customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators, alongside perspectives on the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel initiative.
Organizers say the seminar will provide a rare opportunity to align government agencies, private operators, and civil society around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
However, experts warn that Nigeria’s history of reform failures underscore the need for robust implementation safeguards.
Maritime Agencies
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
A presidential nod to commence the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has been granted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Disclosing this in Lagos, Thursday, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah confirmed that already work is in progress to consolidate the procurement processes needed.
Dr Akutah was speaking during the Ministerial Management Retreat and the 2026 first quarter stakeholders’ engagement.
“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with the procurement process, and that process is ongoing,” Akutah said.
He explained that while the Nigerian Ports Authority is spearheading the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN, a complementary initiative aimed at enhancing cargo tracking and trade transparency.
Akutah acknowledged the troubled history of the ICTN in Nigeria, describing its past implementation attempts as “checkered,” but expressed confidence that the current administration is determined to avoid previous pitfalls.
According to him, the minister is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the project is executed seamlessly and does not suffer the repeated suspensions that hampered earlier efforts.
“The Minister is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation under his leadership will not be suspended,” he added.
He further revealed that the Council is intensifying efforts to resolve outstanding operational and stakeholder concerns ahead of the full rollout, expected before the end of 2026.
When fully operational, he assured, the ICTN is expected to significantly improve cargo visibility while strengthening regulations.
Speaking at the event which featured the signing of the traditional performance bonds between the Minister and agencies under him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola warned heads of agencies that performance would no longer be evaluated by intentions but by verifiable results.
Dr Oyetola emphasised that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results. These agencies include the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Others are the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
Performance bonds signed at the retreat, the Minister explained, were binding commitments that would be rigorously monitored.
“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” he declared.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says the Electronic Ports Access Call-up System, otherwise known as ETO, is a critical intervention system designed to address persistent disruptions in port logistics that have previously hampered operations while negatively affecting port users and port area residents.
Developed in partnership with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), the ETO system established a structured framework for truck movement scheduling and access to the ports, significantly reducing congestion and improving traffic flow within Apapa.
Dr Dantsoho made this clarificatio in Lagos, Tuesday, during an interactive session with the press. He explained that the NPA has intensified efforts to advance the Port Community System (PCS) even as it embarks on a comprehensive review of the ETO itself.
NPA MD who was represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said the noticeable improvement in travel time and accessibility into Apapa is a testament to the system’s impact. Routes previously battling with traffic gridlock are now more navigable.
With the initial contract for the ETO now expired, he disclosed that the system is undergoing a detailed assessment to identify operational gaps, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen the efficiency. Such reviews, he added, are routine and necessary to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.
He, however, assured that the ETO remains operational under interim arrangements to avoid any disruption to current port activities, underscoring its continued relevance in daily port operations.
The ongoing review, being carried out in collaboration with TTP is expected to produce a reformed operational model aligned with the NPA’s broader digitalisation agenda. At the centre of this agenda is the Port Community System (PCS), an integrated digital platform aimed at linking all stakeholders within the port value chain.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The PCS, NPA stated, will harmonise multiple standalone systems currently operated by different agencies and service providers into a single interface, enabling seamless data exchange, improved coordination and enhanced operational efficiency.
Dantsoho noted that the transition to a Port Community System reflects global best practices, where interoperability among stakeholders drives transparency and efficiency. While acknowledging minor integration challenges, he expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration among stakeholders will come to the rescue.
On ports concession renewal, the NPA boss acknowledged that several agreements have expired but explained that the Federal Government is prioritising a thorough review process before granting fresh renewals. He said the objective is to address legal issues and establish more balanced and effective agreements.
He noted concerns raised by some operators over the uncertainty but maintained that interim extensions granted by the government signal a commitment to maintaining stability while detailed reforms are concluded.
The Authority also pointed to the complexities of deploying digital platforms such as ETO and PCS in emerging port corridors like Lekki, where operational control is shared among multiple stakeholders. He noted that, unlike Apapa, implementation in Lekki requires broader alignment among private investors and government institutions in the business corridor.
Dantsoho assured that port operations will continue seamlessly throughout the review period, expressing optimism that the outcome will consolidate the gains of the ETO while ushering in a more integrated and efficient system under the PCS framework.
He added that the next phase of digital transformation will position Nigeria’s ports for greater efficiency, improved stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced global competitiveness.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: Anti-Corruption Group Hosts Seminar To Tackle Envisaged Risks.
ICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
NPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
Nigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.
PORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
Oyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
Maritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
Tincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
TRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
NIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
Apapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
MAN, Oron, Pushes Actualization of Her Mandate Beyond Nigeria, Seeks Strategic Partnership with Liberia Maritime Training Institute
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUBLE CAPTAIN!
NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report Validates FG’s Economic Diversification Initiatives.
Dedication To Service Earns NIWA’s Engr Sarat Braimah the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMaritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.