PMAWCA CALLS FOR PORT MODERNISATION IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA, SEEKS INCREASED INVESTMENT

The Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) has called on member states to aggressively pursue the upgrade of existing seaports and the development of modern port infrastructure to boost regional trade and economic integration.

The call formed part of deliberations at the just concluded PMAWCA Mid-Year Board Meeting held in Lagos.

The three-day meeting, which opened on Monday, brought together maritime leaders, policymakers, and port administrators from across West and Central Africa to deliberate on the future of the region’s ports and trade connectivity.

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who declared the meeting open, said Nigeria has commenced the modernisation of its port infrastructure to expand capacity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s maritime sector.

In his opening address, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, noted that despite pockets of progress across the region, there remains an urgent need for stronger ports supported by modern infrastructure capable of meeting global shipping demands.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who attended the opening ceremony, stressed the need for increased investment in regional ports. He warned that persistent delays and operational bottlenecks at seaports across the region continue to hinder trade growth and economic development.

Maritime TV Africa reports that the three-day session also featured breakout meetings by various technical groups, including the Statistics Group, which focused on aggregating critical data required to drive the modernisation and development of seaports across the West and Central African region.