HOW DANTSOHO IS RENEWING HOPE AT NPA

By Moses Okanga

Along Nigeria’s vibrant coastline, where the ceaseless rhythm of waves merges with the aspirations of a nation, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho is orchestrating a transformative revival at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). As a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, his visionary leadership is reshaping Nigeria’s maritime landscape, turning once-dilapidated ports into dynamic gateways of global trade.

With bold reforms, including billion-dollar infrastructure overhauls, revitalisation of underutilised Eastern ports, and the integration of cutting-edge technology, Dantsoho is dismantling decades of inefficiency. His commitment to transparency, innovation, and economic growth is not only restoring the NPA’s global stature but also igniting a beacon of hope, positioning Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse poised to lead Africa’s trade renaissance.

Established in 1954 under the Ports Act (Cap 155 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria), the NPA initially managed the ports of Lagos and Port Harcourt. In 1969, its mandate expanded to include Warri, Koko, Burutu, and Sapele, previously operated by private merchant companies. Today, the NPA is the statutory body tasked with managing, developing, and operating Nigeria’s ports and harbours.

Its core responsibilities include overseeing port infrastructure development to meet international standards, providing nautical and harbour services such as hydrographic surveys, towage, and mooring, and ensuring the safety and security of port operations through robust regulations. The NPA also manages leasing and concession activities, sets tariff benchmarks to maintain economic competitiveness, and mitigates environmental risks to safeguard marine ecosystems.

For decades, systemic corruption, ineffective leadership, and a lack of political will undermined the NPA’s vision of becoming Africa’s maritime logistics hub, delivering efficient, secure, and customer-friendly port services. Ports suffered from decrepit infrastructure, silted channels, collapsed breakwaters, and inefficient operations, stifling Nigeria’s economic potential.

The appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director marked a pivotal shift, aligning the NPA with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reverse these negative trends and restore credibility. Upon assuming office, Dantsoho launched a forensic audit to identify and address barriers to the NPA’s potential, laying the groundwork for a holistic transformation. His leadership swiftly turned the tide, addressing crumbling infrastructure and operational inefficiencies.

Recognising the stark underutilization of Eastern ports—Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar, which handled less than a third of their capacity—he prioritised immediate upgrades to bring them on par with Lagos, which previously absorbed over 90% of maritime traffic. This strategic redistribution has decongested Lagos ports, boosted regional trade, and enhanced overall port efficiency.

To address the seasonal limitations of Onitsha Port due to inconsistent dredging of the River Niger, Dantsoho initiated comprehensive dredging efforts, ensuring year-round operations and unlocking the port’s economic potential. Dantsoho’s ambitious modernisation agenda includes a $1 billion reconstruction of the Tincan Island Port Complex and comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports.

These projects, supported by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, aim to rejuvenate port facilities, streamline operations, and attract investment. His leadership has driven a remarkable 45.1% surge in cargo traffic and a 9.7% increase in container throughput, reflecting heightened trade activity and operational efficiency.

The introduction of an electronic truck call-up system has further revolutionised port operations, significantly reducing gridlock on access roads and improving traffic flow, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. Aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Dantsoho has championed the commissioning of inland dry ports, such as the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, to promote non-oil exports and facilitate trade.

The planned $1 billion Snake Island Port, spanning 85 hectares within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, represents a bold step toward solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub. These initiatives, coupled with advanced monitoring systems and port modernisation, are positioning Nigeria’s ports to compete on a global stage.

Dantsoho’s transformative vision extends beyond infrastructure. His election as president of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global maritime community, marking a significant milestone for the sector. His pragmatic leadership emphasises human capital development, recognising a skilled workforce as the backbone of innovation and efficiency.

Through merit-based promotions and enhanced staff welfare packages, Dantsoho has fostered a motivated workforce, driving performance and curbing corruption. These efforts have created a culture of accountability and excellence within the NPA, aligning with its mission to deliver world-class port services.

In line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, Dantsoho supports the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service, which will centralise revenue collection for the NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in revenue management. Additionally, promoting indigenous ownership of shipping vessels aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sovereignty and economic independence.

Dantsoho’s leadership is a testament to the power of proficiency, dedication, and patriotism. His bold reforms and tangible achievements are not only revitalising the NPA but also contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. By addressing systemic challenges and implementing strategic initiatives, he is transforming Nigeria’s ports into engines of prosperity, enhancing trade, and improving the lives of Nigerians.

Dantsoho’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in every facet of his work, from infrastructure development to operational efficiency and global competitiveness. As a steadfast apostle of President Tinubu’s blueprint, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho exemplifies the potential for transformative change in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

His dynamic leadership is redefining the NPA’s role as a catalyst for economic development, restoring national pride, and positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader. Through his visionary initiatives, Dantsoho is not just renewing hope at the NPA—he is charting a bold course for Nigeria’s maritime future, ensuring its ports shine as beacons of progress and opportunity in Africa and beyond.

*Okanga writes from Abuja

Tragedy in Onitsha: OCHA Brigade Operatives Arrested After Shooting Pregnant Woman, Four Others

Onitsha, Anambra State – Tragedy struck the bustling Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday when operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) opened fire during an enforcement exercise, leaving a pregnant woman and four others dead, according to eyewitnesses.

The incident, which occurred near Emeka Offor Plaza, triggered panic as traders and passers-by fled in terror. Witnesses reported that the operatives, who had clashed with traders over roadside wares, suddenly fired shots, sparking chaos in one of Nigeria’s busiest markets.

Conflicting Accounts of Casualties

Eyewitnesses claimed five lives were lost, including the pregnant woman, while several others sustained injuries. However, the Anambra State Police Command disputed these figures, stating that only one woman was confirmed dead and four others were injured and hospitalized.

Government, Police React

The Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere, confirmed that the operatives involved in the shooting had been arrested and dismissed from duty.

“The operation was not approved by the leadership of the agency. Those involved acted outside authority and have been taken into custody. They will be handed over to the police and DSS for thorough investigation,” Anere said.

He emphasized that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration remains committed to enforcing discipline, restoring order, and maintaining a clean and livable Anambra State.

Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command had invited OCHA management to identify the operatives and ensure they face prosecution.

Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos

Chinwendu, a trader who witnessed the incident, recounted the moment panic broke out:

“The OCHA operatives came and ordered traders to remove their wares. An argument broke out, and in the process of dragging the goods, they started shooting in the air. Stray bullets hit four people, including a pregnant woman, who all died on the spot.”

Another eyewitness said some operatives were seen removing their uniforms to avoid lynching by angry traders.

“After the shooting, some traders carried the lifeless bodies away while others stormed the streets, breaking bottles and searching for OCHA operatives. The traders are angry because this is not the first time the brigade has harassed them,” the source added.

Public Outrage

The killings have sparked widespread condemnation of the high-handedness of state-backed enforcement agencies. Traders described the OCHA Brigade as notorious for harassment, extortion, and excessive use of force in the markets.

As investigations continue, the tragedy has once again raised pressing questions about the conduct and oversight of para-military enforcement teams in Anambra State.

 “Educate 2 Empower”: Buckwyld Media & Partners Launch Bold Advocacy Project for Nigerian Girl-Child Education

Buckwyld Media Network, in partnership with Entertainment & Creative Partners (ECP), today unveiled Educate 2 Empower (E2E), a national advocacy project committed to dismantling barriers to girl-child education in Nigeria.

Anchored by Adda:

Empowered by Education – a feature documentary film that tells the remarkable story of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, Nigeria’s first female President of the Court of Appeal – the initiative highlights how education can empower young girls to overcome the odds and rise to leadership.

The film is scheduled for a syndicated broadcast on October 11, 2025, International Day of the Girl Child, reaching an estimated 50 million viewers across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Trailer https://youtu.be/RdNTPgUoNZ4

Trailer (Hausa Transcribed) https://youtu.be/KrwjZJqyYmc

The Urgency: A Crisis We Cannot Ignore

Nigeria has more than 18 million out-of-school children, the highest number globally. Over 60% are girls, with the North disproportionately affected:• North East: 59% of primary-age children are out of school.• North West: 62%—the highest rate nationwide.• States with over 50% exclusion include Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

These statistics represent not just numbers but millions of silenced dreams. Without intervention, Nigeria risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and insecurity.

“Every girl left behind is a future leader denied. Educate 2 Empower is not just a campaign—it is a movement to ensure that girls in Nigeria are seen, heard, and given a fighting chance.”

Efe Omorogbe, Founder/CEO of Buckwyld Media and initiator of the Educate 2 Empower project, quipped: “Our decision to pursue this cause is driven by a sense of duty and the recognition of the power of storytelling. We are well aware of the immense capacity of film to influence perspectives and engender behavioural change. Combined with online engagement to prompt action, we believe our modest initiative can contribute significantly to the efforts of stakeholder organizations and corporate players working tirelessly on the frontlines to reverse this unacceptable situation in Nigeria.”

A Multi-Dimensional CampaignEducate 2 Empower combines storytelling, digital engagement, and real-world impact:

• Documentary Broadcast – Adda: Empowered by Education will air on Arewa24, NTA Hausa, and other major Hausa-language platforms to inspire and mobilize change.

• Online Career Day Challenge – With the permission of their parents, girls aged 10–15 will be encouraged to submit one-minute videos outlining their career ambitions. Winners will receive scholarships, tech devices, and mentorship, ensuring tangible empowerment.

• Community & Stakeholder Engagement – Parents, educators, religious leaders, and policymakers will be activated through dialogue and outreach.

• Prize-Giving Event – Finalists and winners will be honored in a high-visibility ceremony with corporate sponsors, government officials, and development partners in attendance.

Why Partner With E2E

Corporate, government, and NGO partners are invited to join in reshaping the future for Nigerian girls. Sponsorship opportunities offer:

• Brand Visibility – Prominent presence across TV, digital, and event platforms.

• CSR Impact – Alignment with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

• Community Goodwill – Recognition as a champion of empowerment and inclusion.

• Long-Term Value – Documented CSR reports, employee engagement opportunities, and lasting brand affinity.

About the Organizers• Buckwyld Media Network is a Lagos-based creative solutions company delivering world-class campaigns, events, and entertainment projects across Nigeria. https://buckwyldmedia.com

• Entertainment & Creative Partners (ECP) of Aina Blankson is a diversified entertainment law and advisory practice representing leading clients in film, television, music, and digital media.

Call to Action

Educate 2 Empower is more than a campaign—it is a clarion call to action. With the support of corporate sponsors, NGOs, and policymakers, millions of Nigerian girls can be inspired, empowered, and given the tools to build a brighter future.

Telephone:
+234 803 565 3899
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.buckwyldmedia.com

Stand with us to give 50,000 girls the chance to return to school—and to their future—by September 2026.