Liberia Hails Nigeria’s Port Modernisation Drive as Benchmark for West Africa

The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia, Sekou A. M. Dukuly, has hailed Nigeria’s sustained investment in port infrastructure and modernisation, describing it as a benchmark for other countries seeking to strengthen their position in global maritime trade. Dukuly made the remarks during a visit to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters in Lagos, where he met with the Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, to discuss regional cooperation, trade facilitation and the future of West African ports. He said ports across West Africa remain central to both domestic and international trade, stressing that sustained investment in modern infrastructure is critical to improving Africa’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. According to Dukuly, port authorities across the region must continue to modernise infrastructure, streamline operations and embrace new technologies to improve efficiency, boost cargo handling and facilitate trade. He commended Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its ports into major international trade hubs, describing the country’s renewed focus on maritime infrastructure as an example worthy of emulation across the continent. Welcoming the Liberian delegation, Dantsoho reaffirmed the strategic role of ports in driving Africa’s economic integration and expanding regional trade. He noted that ports serve as the primary gateways for imports and exports, enabling the seamless movement of goods and services across the continent. Dantsoho said rapid population growth, increasing urbanisation and the push for economic diversification have made sustained investment in modern port infrastructure more imperative than ever. He added that the Nigerian Ports Authority’s ongoing modernisation programme is aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing congestion, replacing ageing infrastructure and enhancing the competitiveness of West African ports in global shipping. Both port chiefs agreed that closer collaboration among port authorities across the region is essential to promoting trade, attracting investment and accelerating Africa’s economic integration.