Tinubu, Oyetola, stakeholders applaud Dantsoho’s IAPH election

By Enyeribe Anyanwu

The recent election of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) has been receiving wide acclaim by the government, maritime stakeholders and the Nigerian people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the NPA Managing Director’s election and commended members of the IAPH for the confidence reposed in Dantsoho by entrusting him with the position, just as they did in 2017, when Hadiza Bala Usman, one of Dantsoho’s predecessors, was similarly elected.

He expressed optimism that the election of the NPA Managing Director will boost Nigeria’s ambition to tap into the global marine and blue economy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged Dantsoho to sustain the ongoing efforts to reposition the NPA, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s goal of expanding its economy to $1 trillion by 2030.

In the same vein, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on his election as Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

In a statement issued last Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the election as a testament to Dr. Dantsoho’s outstanding leadership and a global recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in maritime affairs.

The Minister noted that the development is a direct reflection of the significant strides made under the federal government’s port modernization programme.

Said Oyetola, “This election is a recognition of the ongoing reforms to reposition Nigerian ports and the blue economy drive of the Federal Government. It validates our commitment to creating a more efficient, secure, and competitive maritime environment, which is a key component of our national economic strategy.”

The Minister stated that the government’s ongoing port modernization initiative was a comprehensive programme designed to overhaul port infrastructure, embrace cutting-edge technology, and streamline operational processes, with the  to elevate Nigerian ports to international standards and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

The International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) is a respected global organisation that serves as a consultative body to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other UN agencies. It unites over 300 ports and port-related businesses from 90 countries, playing a crucial role in shaping international port policy, promoting sustainable development, and fostering collaboration on pressing industry challenges.

The Minister emphasized that Dantsoho’s role within such an influential body will be instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

Oyetola expressed confidence that Dr. Dantsoho’s wealth of experience will enable him to make impactful contributions to the IAPH and, in doing so, further elevate Nigeria’s voice in global maritime policy debates and foster deeper international collaboration.

On the side of stakeholders, the SIFAX Group congratulated Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on the election. The Group’ Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, in a letter described the election as a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Dantsoho’s exceptional leadership and immense contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“Your election is a testament to your distinguished career and decades of dedicated service. From your beginnings at the NPA during your National Youth Service in 1992 to your current role as Managing Director, your journey has been inspiring,” he said.

He noted that Dr. Dantsoho’s data-driven leadership and reforms have strengthened efficiency in port operations while enhancing Nigeria’s global maritime reputation.

According to him, the achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a collective gain for Nigeria and Africa. He expressed confidence that Dr. Dantsoho will use his new role to foster stronger continental collaborations and advance Africa’s position in global maritime governance.

“At SIFAX Group, we are proud of your vision, resilience, and commitment to maritime development. This accomplishment affirms the respect you command internationally and signals a bright future for Africa’s shipping industry,” Afolabi added.

The terminal operator reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and pledged continued collaboration with the NPA to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in global shipping.

The umbrella group of ports terminal operators, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) also congratulated the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on his election as Vice-President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

In a statement by the Chairman of the association, Olori (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup, STOAN, described Dr. Dantsoho’s election as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a recognition of his leadership qualities, professional acumen, and the growing importance of the Nigerian maritime sector on the global stage.

“Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours is a great honour, not just for him personally, but for Nigeria as a whole,” Olori Haastrup said.

“It is a resounding testament to his track record of competence, vision, and dedication to improving port operations in Nigeria. His leadership at the NPA has been marked by bold reforms and a renewed commitment to efficiency and global best practices. The international maritime community has now recognized these qualities by entrusting him with such a strategic role,” she noted.

The STOAN Chairman observed that Dr. Dantsoho’s new role provides Nigeria with a stronger voice in shaping global port and harbour policies, particularly at a time when issues of digitalization, sustainability, and competitiveness are redefining the maritime industry.

“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and home to some of the continent’s busiest seaports. Dr. Dantsoho’s presence in the leadership of IAPH will ensure that our country and indeed Africa are not left out in the evolving conversations around green shipping, technological transformation, and the pursuit of more efficient global supply chains,” Haastrup noted.

“We at STOAN are confident that he will bring to IAPH the same dynamism, foresight, and resilience he has demonstrated at the NPA. His election is a win for Nigeria, for Africa, and for the global maritime community.”

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NPA under Dr. Dantsoho’s stewardship in order to deepen reforms and consolidate Nigeria’s position as West and Central Africa’s leading maritime hub.

“On behalf of all terminal operators in Nigeria, I warmly congratulate Dr. Dantsoho. We are proud of his achievement and we pledge our continued support to ensure that Nigeria reaps the full benefits of this international recognition,” Olori Haastrup added.

The International Association for Ports and Harbours, established in 1955, is the global alliance of ports, representing over 160 port authorities and 120 port-related businesses in nearly 90 countries worldwide.

Dr. Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President marks the first time in recent history that a Nigerian is occupying such a high-ranking position within the IAPH, further underscoring the nation’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.

He joins the management team of the IAPH for a two-year term.

The 70-year-old global association serves as the voice for seaports worldwide and will mark its anniversary on October 7 in Kobe, Japan.