NPA to deepen bilateral ties with Belgium, others for increased port efficiency

NPA MD, Dantsoho commits to boosting productivity, revenue

Speaking after receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, the managing director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has given the authority necessary backing to enhance Nigeria’s share in the trade statistics of West and Central Africa.

 

The NPA Boss also stated that Nigeria with the biggest market share of West African freight from the port of Antwerp, accounts for over six million tonnes annually.

“The annual volume of West African freight in Antwerp amounts to almost 17 million tonnes resulting in a market share of 31%. Nigeria, with a volume of over 6 million tonnes, accounts for the largest part.”

 

He continued, “The port of Antwerp is known in Africa as the maritime centre of Europe, owing to the numerous supply chain connections.

The Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho yesterday received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt at the Authority’s Headquarters in Marina.

The meeting focused on leveraging the know-how of the Antwerp Port Community in the area of Port operational efficiency to add a fillip to the Authority’s effort at operationalizing the Port Community System (PCS) as quickly as possible in readiness for the forthcoming National Single Window Project of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The port of Antwerp is known in Africa as the maritime center of Europe, owing to the numerous supply chain connections. The synergy between maritime, logistics, and industrial activities creates a unique platform.

Out of all the ports in North-West Europe, the Belgian Port of Antwerp has the highest direct services to West Africa.

The annual volume of West African freight in Antwerp amounts to almost 17 million tonnes resulting in a market share of 31%. Nigeria, with a volume of over 6 million tonnes, accounts for the largest part.

The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alh. Adegboyega Oyetola has assured of the necessary backing to enhance the efficiencies of the NPA to grow Nigeria’s share in the trade statistics of West and Central Africa.