By; TOM GARBA
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has welcomed a new era of leadership with the appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director. With an impressive 30-year tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under his belt, Dantsoho brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to his new role.
Dantsoho’s three-decade journey at NPA has equipped him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of port operations, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder dynamics, making him a veteran of port operations. His extensive experience spans strategic planning, policy implementation, infrastructure development, management, maritime safety and security, trade facilitation, cargo optimization, and human capital development.
Dantsoho is poised to leverage his expertise to enhance operational efficiency and productivity, foster public-private partnerships and collaborations, promote transparency and accountability, drive innovation and digital transformation
As a visionary leader, Dantsoho is poised to leverage his expertise to enhance operational efficiency and productivity, foster public-private partnerships and collaborations, promote transparency and accountability, drive innovation and digital transformation, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for regional and global trade.
Dantsoho holds a PhD in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales
Dantsoho’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to excellence in Nigeria’s port sector, with a focus on improving cargo clearance processes, upgrading infrastructure and equipment, developing a skilled and motivated workforce, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ensuring environmental sustainability and compliance.
Under Dantsoho’s guidance, NPA is set to embark on a transformative journey, harnessing opportunities, tackling challenges, and redefining the nation’s maritime landscape.
As a trailblazer in maritime technology, Dantsoho holds a PhD in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales. His extensive knowledge spans maritime technology, international transport, and port management.
Dantsoho’s lifetime of dedicated service began in 1992 as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at NPA. He rose through the ranks, holding pivotal positions such as Assistant General Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Port Manager at Onne Port, and Principal Manager of Tariff and Billing. His dedication earned him the NPA 25-year-long service merit award in 2019.
Globally recognized, Dantsoho represented Nigeria at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London and attended the World Ports Conference in Busan, South Korea. He has spearheaded consultancy projects, including the 25-year Ports Development Masterplan and World Bank initiatives.
With Dantsoho at the helm, Nigeria’s ports are poised to reach unprecedented heights.
Tom Garba, fspsp, FIMC, FBDFM, PSLC, a journalist, publisher and an advocate of peace writes from Fombina House Yola. He can be reached via: 08030525759, 08172570959
