Uche Cecil Izuora
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime governance, describing the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Capacity Building Programme as a major step towards enhancing port safety and regulatory compliance across West and Central Africa.
Speaking on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the launch of the Abuja MoU Capacity Building Programme, Dr. Dantsoho commended the Chairman of the Abuja MoU, Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure of the Republic of The Gambia; the Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; and the Abuja MoU Secretariat led by Captain Sunday Umoren for their exemplary leadership in advancing the objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region.
Dr. Dantsoho also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, noting that its partnership has contributed significantly to the success of the initiative.
He described the programme as a significant milestone in the collective effort to strengthen institutional capacity, promote effective maritime governance, and improve the implementation of Port State Control across member states of the Abuja MoU.
According to him, building the capacity of maritime professionals and institutions remains essential to ensuring safer shipping, enhanced compliance with international maritime standards, and the sustainable growth of the maritime sector within the region.
The NPA boss reiterated the Authority’s commitment to supporting regional collaboration and initiatives that promote safer, more secure and environmentally sustainable maritime operations, stressing that stronger institutions and skilled personnel are critical to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy in West and Central Africa.
The Abuja MoU serves as the regional framework for Port State Control, promoting cooperation among member states to ensure that ships operating within the region comply with international safety, security and environmental protection standards.