NPA, Nigerian Navy Reaffirm Partnership to Boost Port Security, Trade Facilitation

NPA, Nigerian Navy Reaffirm Partnership to Boost Port Security, Trade Facilitation

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at enhancing port security and facilitating seamless trade, as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, in Lagos.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, on Tuesday visited the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho  at the Authority's headquarters in Marina, Lagos, reaffirming the long-standing partnership between both institutions.

Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the engagement was to formally introduce himself as the new FOC while reinforcing the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the NPA in strengthening maritime security and improving trade facilitation across Nigeria's ports.

He conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the NPA's strategic contributions to national economic growth and the advancement of Nigeria's Blue Economy. According to him, the Authority remains a key stakeholder in ensuring maritime security and efficient port operations.

The naval chief also commended Dr. Dantsoho's leadership in driving reforms and improving port efficiency. He highlighted the Navy's ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria's maritime domain through initiatives such as the Falcon Eye Maritime Surveillance System and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC), alongside other operational deployments aimed at combating maritime crimes and ensuring safer shipping routes.

Rear Admiral Mustapha reiterated the Western Naval Command's commitment to deepening cooperation with the NPA to promote secure ports and seamless trade activities.

Responding, Dr. Dantsoho expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the NPA and the Nigerian Navy, praising the Western Naval Command for its vital role in protecting Nigeria's maritime environment and supporting efficient port operations.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration to further strengthen port security while enhancing trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria's maritime sector.

The NPA Managing Director also called for increased operational support in the Eastern Zone, expressing confidence that stronger synergy between both organisations would further bolster maritime security and contribute to national economic development.

The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, symbolising the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Navy to advancing port security, trade facilitation and sustainable economic growth.