‘SEZs cannot thrive without efficient ports,’ NPA MD declares

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has declared that Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) cannot achieve their full economic potential without efficient, modern and well-connected ports, warning that inadequate maritime infrastructure remains one of the biggest constraints to industrialisation, export growth and sustainable blue economy development.

Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made the assertion while delivering a paper at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt. The conference, themed “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy,” brought together policymakers, regulators, investors and maritime stakeholders to examine strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s maritime and industrial potential.

Represented by the Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, Dantsoho said while investment incentives and favourable government policies could attract businesses into Special Economic Zones, efficient port infrastructure and seamless logistics ultimately determine whether such investments succeed.

According to him, ports have evolved beyond their traditional role as cargo handling facilities to become strategic economic assets that support manufacturing, facilitate exports, strengthen supply chains and create employment.

“A Special Economic Zone without an efficient port system is much like an airport without a runway. The vision may be compelling, but its potential can never be realised,” he said.

The NPA boss explained that efficient ports are central to building a sustainable blue economy because they stimulate trade, encourage industrial expansion, improve national competitiveness and attract long-term investments.

To reposition Nigerian ports for greater efficiency, Dantsoho said the Authority is pursuing an integrated strategy that includes rehabilitation and modernisation of port infrastructure, continuous channel maintenance, digital transformation, stronger institutional collaboration and expanded public-private partnerships.

He noted that the NPA is also advancing the Port Community System as a key component of the Federal Government’s National Single Window initiative, which is expected to reduce cargo clearance time, eliminate bottlenecks, improve transparency and enhance the ease of doing business.

Beyond infrastructure upgrades, he emphasised the need to strengthen multimodal connectivity by integrating ports with road, rail and inland waterways to improve cargo evacuation and reduce logistics costs.

He also highlighted the growing importance of Inland Dry Ports in extending port services to inland industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones, thereby enhancing trade efficiency across the country.

Dantsoho cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a successful example of how public-private partnerships can expand port capacity, improve operational efficiency and support export-oriented industrialisation.

While acknowledging ongoing reforms across the port sector, he stressed that sustained investment, innovation and collaboration among government agencies, private operators and development partners would be crucial to transforming Nigerian ports into globally competitive trade gateways.

“When our ports become more efficient, our industries become more competitive; when industries become more competitive, investment increases, exports expand, jobs are created and national prosperity follows,” he stated.

He called on stakeholders across the maritime value chain to work together in developing an efficient port system capable of supporting Special Economic Zones, accelerating Nigeria’s blue economy agenda and driving long-term economic transformation.