The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has urged African littoral states to enhance technological collaboration to improve transit cargo transportation, particularly in regions requiring multiple waterway transits. Speaking at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of the Directors General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Conakry, Guinea, Dantsoho emphasized the importance of leveraging the strengths of African nations to facilitate trade, especially for landlocked countries.
“We must work together to improve trade access for landlocked countries, sharing technological advancements and information to enhance service delivery, particularly by improving connectivity between littoral states for smoother transit cargo transportation,” Dantsoho stated.
He also called for continued investment in international highways and rail routes that connect both coastal and inland regions, ensuring efficient service delivery at lower costs to landlocked nations. Africa, with 16 of the world’s 44 landlocked countries, presents a unique challenge, which Dantsoho described as a moral obligation for coastal states to provide these nations with access to the sea.
Dantsoho proposed initiatives such as completing key international highways, including the Niger, Lagos, Tema, and Abidjan routes, to improve trade flows across the continent. He further emphasized the need for multilateral agreements and stronger partnerships between neighboring coastal countries to boost regional trade.
Another key focus was the development of port infrastructure and transportation networks to improve efficiency across the region. Dantsoho welcomed the proposed Abidjan to Lagos highway, part of an initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which aims to link the most economically dynamic cities and ports in West Africa.
He also stressed the need for regulatory harmonization and aligned policies to ensure the seamless movement of cargo. Collaboration on critical issues such as transshipment cargo, security, safety, and environmental protection was highlighted as essential for attracting economic development, improving port efficiency, and negotiating better rates with shipping lines.
Dantsoho underlined the interdependent nature of maritime shipping and hinterland operations, pointing out that overcoming challenges in port operations requires strong connectivity between the two sectors. He called for a balanced approach that combines infrastructure development, digital transformation, and diplomatic cooperation to optimize hinterland connectivity.
Mamadou Biro Diallo, Managing Director of Port Autonome de Conakry, also underscored the importance of port connectivity to hinterland logistics. He highlighted that port growth must be supported by robust infrastructure, including roads, railways, and waterways, to ensure a seamless flow of trade across Africa.
