Nigerian Ports Authority Engages at Investopia Global Lagos Forum
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is actively participating in the Investopia Global Lagos event, which commenced on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. This significant forum represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and investment relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
This UAE-Nigeria co-hosted forum brings together senior government officials, global investors, and prominent industry leaders to explore substantial opportunities across multiple sectors. The discussions focus on critical areas including infrastructure development, logistics optimization, energy transition strategies, financial system enhancements, and secure supply chain management. These sectors are widely regarded as fundamental to Africa's long-term economic growth and development trajectory.
According to a press update issued by the NPA's General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Lagos event builds upon the momentum generated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent diplomatic visit to the UAE in mid-January 2026. During that visit, both nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations.
The NPA emphasized that this agreement aims to deepen cooperation in several key areas, including renewable energy initiatives, infrastructure development projects, logistics optimization, and digital trade advancement. The primary objective is to translate diplomatic commitments into concrete, actionable investment opportunities that benefit both nations.
Port Infrastructure and Trade Development Focus
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, is scheduled to speak on a panel titled Infrastructure and logistics for Africa's next phase of trade. He will be joined by Mohamed Almenhali, the Regional Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, creating a powerful dialogue between Nigerian and UAE maritime authorities.
This session will concentrate on several critical areas, including improving port infrastructure capabilities, strengthening trade corridors across the region, and deploying innovative digital solutions to enhance efficiency throughout maritime value chains. The discussions are expected to highlight Nigeria's strategic ambition to position itself as West Africa's leading trade and logistics hub while leveraging the UAE's considerable expertise in port development and maritime innovation.
"Infrastructure and logistics are central to Africa's competitiveness in global trade, and partnerships such as this provide the opportunity to build resilient, future-ready port systems," Dr. Dantsoho stated, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration.
High-Profile Participation and Strategic Discussions
Investopia Global Lagos is hosting an impressive array of influential speakers from both public and private sectors. Notable participants include Dr. Jean Fares, Chief Executive Officer of Investopia; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mohamed H. Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and Executive Chairman of Lunate; and Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation.
The event also features leading figures from the energy and finance sectors, including Femi Otedola, Chairman of First HoldCo, alongside senior executives from various regional and international investment institutions. This diverse participation underscores the forum's significance in fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Sustainable Port Operations Commitment
The NPA has reiterated its strong commitment to promoting efficient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable port operations that support Nigeria's trade growth and regional integration objectives. The Authority expressed optimism about productive engagements at Investopia Global Lagos, noting that discussions at the forum are expected to unlock new partnerships and investments aligned with the strategic outcomes of President Tinubu's UAE engagement.
"As Nigeria deepens its economic ties with the UAE, the NPA remains focused on translating policy commitments into practical outcomes that enhance trade facilitation and drive inclusive economic growth," the Authority emphasized in its official statement.
The forum represents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its port infrastructure development plans while attracting crucial international investment. With the UAE's proven expertise in maritime innovation and logistics management, this partnership holds substantial potential for transforming Nigeria's port operations and strengthening its position as a regional trade leader.
