Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is set to officially open the Board of Directors meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Lagos, bringing together top maritime stakeholders from across the region. The high-stakes meeting, scheduled from May 18 to 20, 2026, is hosted by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and aims to discuss the future of maritime operations and regional trade development.
Focus on Future-Ready Ports and Inclusive Development
This year's theme, "Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development," will guide discussions on improving port infrastructure, strengthening logistics systems, and deepening regional cooperation. Participants will also explore how port development can directly translate into socio-economic benefits for host communities, alongside broader strategies for sustainable maritime growth.
NPA Highlights Strategic Importance
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, Abubakar Dantsoho, described the meeting as a crucial platform for shaping maritime policy direction across the sub-region. He stated that the engagement would allow stakeholders to reaffirm the importance of ports in driving trade, economic integration, and global connectivity. "The meeting affords us all, as Chief Executives and stakeholders, the platform to reiterate the pivotal role that ports play in shaping the future of humanity," he said.
Ports as Drivers of Prosperity
Dantsoho emphasized that ports remain central to economic progress, acting as gateways that connect nations to international markets and support global commerce. "With ports serving as gateways of prosperity and linking nations to the international community, their demonstrated leadership in advancing sustainable development goals cannot be overemphasized," he added. He further noted that the efficiency and resilience of ports in West and Central Africa are critical to sustaining global supply chains and regional economic stability.
Deliberations on Security and Infrastructure
The three-day meeting will feature discussions on port security, infrastructure expansion, trade facilitation, and strategies for building resilient maritime systems capable of adapting to global economic shifts. It will also include reviews of PMAWCA's midterm committee activities and efforts to strengthen collaboration among member states and port authorities.
Nigeria's Maritime Leadership Reinforced
The Lagos gathering is seen as another milestone in Nigeria's growing influence within the regional maritime sector, following its successful hosting of the 43rd PMAWCA Annual Council and Managing Directors' Roundtable in 2023. Officials say the meeting will further position Nigeria as a key driver of maritime cooperation, policy development, and regional economic integration in West and Central Africa.
