It is common knowledge that by providing access to global supply chains, an adequate and efficient maritime sector enables countries to access international trade markets, which should in theory boost economic development. In effect, it is a vital component of the global transportation network.

It is responsible for almost 90 per cent of the global trade by volume, adding over $380 billion every year via freight rates alone to the world economy. The industry acts as bedrock as it brings together multiple parties in the international supply chain. The maritime sector is capital intensive and thus requires huge amount of funding.

With eyes on a trillion-dollar economy which he has boldly envisioned, tweaking the leadership of such a critical and strategic sector like the maritime industry by President Tinubu is a given.

Entering, perhaps the largest stage of his career thus far, powered by an unrelenting will to succeed and a providential presidential fiat fittingly speak to the fact that dreams partnered stern preparation creates a defining reality for those that dare. This is the story of Abubakar Dantsoho, the mint-new Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority. As it were, for NPAs Dantsoho, the man unquestionably meets the moment.

Many top-notch industry stakeholders who know that the history, growth and progress of nations are closely interwoven with the degree of development of their maritime industry expect Dantsoho to move swiftly to improve the running of the nations premier maritime agency, reposition and infuse it with the essential enablers that determine the prospects of ports to garner market share and face the future with confidence.

This is imperative given the existential economic headwinds both at the micro and macro levels buffeting the nation – added to global disruptions that contain both dangers and significant opportunities for national transformation.

It is also worth noting that maritime trade has played a key role in Nigerias economic development. The maritime sector accounts for about 95 per cent of the vehicular means of Nigerias international trade. The maritime industry is a key sector of the nations economy putting into consideration the countrys status as a major oil exporting country.

Dantsoho impatiently rejects staying tamely at the end of received policy prescriptions. He covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with stakeholders, policy makers and surefooted action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in much of his career trajectory. He is defined by his sheer kinetic energy and revels in pushing new frontiers.

Tracking back, Dantsoho holds a PhD in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, UK (2015), an MSc in International Transport from Cardiff University, UK (1999), and a BSc (Hons) from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria (1992). He started his stint at the NPA in 1993.

To surpass NPAs current revenue performance, Dantsoho and his team must look beyond a sole dependence on revenue from core port operations and must put modalities in place to create jobs and add value to the national economy from alternative sources of revenue.

Some examples worth considering are revenue through Public Private Partnerships; Ports Independent Power Production, Bunkering Stations, Fallow Lands for Logistics/Real Estate, Fresh Water Provision, Ship Repairs and Maintenance, and Tourism and Hospitality.

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