NPA plans specialised fishing port to deepen Nigeria’s blue economy

 

 

Maureen Aguta

 

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to develop a specialised fishing port as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s blue economy and expand the trade frontiers of the fishing sector.

 

The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while delivering a paper titled “The Role of Port Infrastructure and Maritime Logistics in Advancing Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria” at the National Conference on Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria.

 

The conference, organised by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), was held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, with the theme: “Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria: Pathways to Growth, Food Security and Coastal Livelihoods.”

 

Represented by the Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Planning, Mr. Adegbite Adewumi, Dantsoho stated that developing a specialised fishing port would be important to expanding the fishing sub-sector as Nigeria seeks to deepen its blue economy.

 

He noted that developing a specialised fishing port would be important to expanding the fishing sub-sector as Nigeria seeks to deepen its blue economy.

 

“In an effort to deepen our drive for the Blue economy, it is important to expand the trade frontiers of the Fishing sub-sector. Consequently, we need to be looking at developing a specialised Fishing Port,” he said.

 

Dantsoho stressed that private investors were expected to play a role in the development under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

 

On port infrastructure for fish and other perishable cargo, the NPA boss confirmed that efforts had been made to create a conducive environment for handling such cargo.

 

According to him, KLT has been made a dedicated fish terminal, with cold-room facilities for storage, while a dedicated export processing terminal and efficient hinterland connectivity are also part of the infrastructure.

 

He affirmed that the major container terminals also have reefer facilities for the storage of perishable cargo, while ongoing port modernisation efforts are aimed at revamping port infrastructure.

 

Dantsoho also addressed port operations, noting that 24-hour vessel berthing operations were already operational at the western ports.

 

“In addition, some Terminal Operators like APMT, GDNL, and ABMT undertake 24hrs Cargo Handling and Delivery,” he said.

 

The NPA chief also outlined key infrastructure required for fishing ports, including breakwaters, quays and wharves, slipways and shipyards, navigation channels, landing and unloading areas, ice plants and cold storage facilities, processing plants, as well as road and logistics networks.

 

He added that fishing ports require marine structures, handling facilities, and logistics support to ensure safe vessel operations and the preservation of seafood.