Dantsoho Highlights Eto, National Single Window as Drivers of Nigeria’s 24.8% Cargo Growth

NPA chief says digital systems, port modernisation key to efficiency and competitiveness

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS                                                                                                                                                                                            Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho (second right), with other industry leaders at the African Ports Conference (COPAF2026) in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has identified the Eto truck call-up system, National Single Window and Port Community System as key digital initiatives driving improvements in Nigeria’s port performance.

Dantsoho, who spoke at the African Ports Conference (COPAF2026) in Casablanca, Morocco, said the initiatives contributed to a 24.8 per cent increase in Nigeria’s cargo throughput in 2025, alongside strong performances by Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index rankings.

He emphasised that African ports must establish robust digital foundations before adopting artificial intelligence (AI) on a wider scale, noting that effective digital systems are essential to improving operational efficiency, vessel planning, landside coordination, revenue assurance, security and predictive maintenance.

According to him, the success of smart ports should be measured by tangible operational outcomes rather than technology acquisition alone. Such outcomes, he said, include faster vessel turnaround times, reduced cargo dwell times, lower operating costs, reliable digital systems and improved revenue accountability.

The NPA chief also highlighted Nigeria’s $1 billion Lagos ports modernisation programme as a critical component of efforts to upgrade port infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

Dantsoho made the remarks at the conference, which was held under the theme, “Smart African Port: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Performance.”

He joined the Secretary-General of the Association of African Ports Authorities (AGPAOC), the Director-General of the Port of Sierra Leone, the Director-General of the Centre de Recherche et de Formation (CRF), and other industry leaders to deliberate on how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity could transform port operations and improve performance across Africa.

The discussions underscored the growing importance of digital transformation, secure information systems and technology-driven operational strategies in building more efficient, resilient and competitive African ports.