Efficient Ports Critical to Unlocking Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones, Says NPA MD.

Efficient Ports Critical to Unlocking Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones, Says NPA MD.

Lucky Akra

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has identified efficient and modern port infrastructure as the critical factor in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), stressing that the success of the zones depends on seamless logistics, connectivity and operational efficiency.

The Authority said optimising port infrastructure would not only enhance the competitiveness of Special Economic Zones but also accelerate industrialisation, boost exports, attract investments and advance Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.

Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), held on Thursday at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The conference was themed, “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy.”

Speaking on the topic, “Optimising Port Infrastructure to Unlock the Full Potential of Special Economic Zones in Nigeria,” Dantsoho, who was represented by the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, said while investment incentives and favourable regulations could attract investors, efficient infrastructure particularly ports was essential to sustaining investments and driving long term economic growth.

“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.

Dantsoho explained that ports should no longer be regarded merely as locations where ships berth but as strategic national assets capable of driving manufacturing, supporting exports, expanding trade and creating employment opportunities.

He noted that efficient ports remain central to the success of a sustainable blue economy, adding that improved port operations stimulate trade, which in turn drives industrial growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.

According to him, the NPA is implementing a coordinated strategy to optimise port infrastructure through the rehabilitation and modernisation of port facilities, continuous channel maintenance, digital transformation, multimodal transport connectivity, public private partnerships and stronger institutional collaboration.

He disclosed that the Authority is advancing the Port Community System as a key step towards the implementation of the National Single Window initiative, aimed at reducing cargo clearance time, improving transparency and facilitating trade.

The NPA boss also emphasised the need to integrate ports with roads, rail lines and inland waterways to improve cargo evacuation, while highlighting the strategic importance of Inland Dry Ports in extending port services to inland industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones.

He cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a successful example of public-private partnership, noting that such collaborations are crucial for expanding port capacity, strengthening supply chains and supporting export-oriented industrialisation.

While acknowledging the progress made, Dantsoho stressed that sustained investment, innovation and stakeholder collaboration remain essential to reposition Nigerian ports as preferred gateways for regional and international trade.

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

He called on government, private sector operators, investors, development partners and the media to strengthen collaboration in building a modern port system capable of supporting Special Economic Zones, advancing the blue economy and driving Nigeria’s long term economic transformation.