President Bola Tinubu has urged African leaders to join forces and find sustainable solutions to address the challenges affecting cargo evacuation to and from ports, with a focus on enhancing security, transparency, and operational efficiency across the continent.
Addressing the 43rd annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), hosted by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), President Tinubu emphasized the critical importance of tackling these challenges to bolster the competitiveness of African ports.
He underlined the shared developmental challenges and resources among nations in West and Central Africa, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to overcome socio-economic issues collectively.
President Tinubu also highlighted the abundant maritime resources in the region and stressed the imperative to optimize them for sustained economic growth. He noted the significance of implementing policies that harness the potential of water resources effectively.
Furthermore, the President acknowledged the ongoing discussions in Nigeria and other African countries regarding investments in infrastructure and equipment to support trade facilitation, boost revenue, and foster continental development. He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to incorporating information technology into public management, enhancing transparency, and streamlining business processes, including the operationalization of the Port Community System.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, reiterated the continent’s determination to reposition its ports for competitiveness, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in automation and port modernization, highlighting the importance of policy implementation and the development of new ports.
Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, underscored the critical role of ports in contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for collaborative efforts among African leaders to eliminate trade barriers and harness collective prosperity.
President of PMAWCA, Goodwill Alini Yandjangoye, urged countries in West and Central Africa to enhance their port operations and devise effective strategies to compete globally in trade facilitation.
Collectively, these statements underscore the shared commitment to improving African port operations, fostering economic growth, and enhancing international competitiveness in the region.
