The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for greater regional integration and cooperation among littoral and island states in West and Central Africa to optimize port operations, enhance trade facilitation, and eliminate barriers that hinder the maritime sector’s full potential.

The call was made by NPA Managing Director and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, at the 45th Annual Council Meeting and 20th Roundtable of Managing Directors held in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo. The event brought together over 350 delegates and experts across Africa and beyond under the theme: “Reinventing Port Zones Management: Towards Sustainable and Resilient Valorization of Port Infrastructure, Tackling Economic and Environmental Challenges.”

Dantsoho emphasized the need to harness the region’s “maritime endowment” while addressing infrastructural gaps that undermine port competitiveness, economic growth, and community development. He highlighted key focus areas for the region, including climate and energy, data collaboration, and risk and resilience management.

“Countries in West and Central Africa share a common destiny, developmental challenges, and abundant natural and human resources. We are duty-bound to unite and deploy these resources to overcome obstacles to socio-economic progress,” Dantsoho stated.

He urged port operators and stakeholders to leverage the region’s marine comparative advantages for collective prosperity, stressing that resilient infrastructure is crucial for the future growth and competitiveness of African ports.

At the recently concluded World Port Conference 2025 in Kobe, Japan, PMAWCA committed to a three-pronged approach: policy implementation, renewed collaboration, and trade facilitation to strengthen intra- and inter-regional cooperation. Dantsoho reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to fulfilling this vision.

The PMAWCA President praised the Republic of Congo and the Port Authority of Pointe-Noire for hosting the conference, noting the significance of regional collaboration in achieving collective economic prosperity. He also commended stakeholders, institutional partners, and international observers for contributing to the exchange of knowledge and ideas aimed at advancing the region’s maritime sector.

Other notable speakers at the event included Evelynne TchitChelle, Mayor of Pointe-Noire, and Bhalat Seraphin, Director-General of the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire.