NPA boss advocates completion of intl’ highways, rail networks to support landlocked countries

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for the accelerated completion of international highways and rail routes connecting coastal regions to hinterlands.

Speaking at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of Directors General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) held in Conakry, Guinea, Dantsoho emphasized that this as a crucial step, will provide efficient and cost-effective services to landlocked states.

Recall that about 16 landlocked countries out of 44 globally are in Africa, Dantsoho described the development as a moral obligation for coastal states to ensure access to the sea for their landlocked neighbours.

He explained that the need to effectively service the hinterland without unnecessary competition while building shared capacity among coastal states to support landlocked countries at reduced costs cannot be overemphasized.

He outlined several actionable strategies, some of which include completion of international highways, fast-tracking major highways like the Niger-Lagos-Tema-Abidjan corridor to enhance connectivity between hinterlands and coasts.

He said: “Development of rail networks will establish shared international rail routes to facilitate seamless transit across borders as this will also facilitate trade and leveraging mutual strengths among coastal states to enhance trade efficiency and service delivery to landlocked regions.

“Technological collaboration by way sharing advancements in technology for improved service delivery and fostering connectivity among littoral states to expedite transit cargo, particularly in areas requiring multiple waterway transits.

“Multilateral agreements will also bring about trading partnerships and regulatory harmonization to ensure smooth cargo movement and align vessel schedules, reducing congestion and improving efficiency.

“The need for infrastructural planning and coordinating investments in ports and transportation networks, such as the proposed ECOWAS Abidjan-to-Lagos Highway, to connect the region’s most dynamic cities and ports cannot be overemphasized.”

Also commenting,   Mamadou Biro Diallo, Managing Director of the Port Autonome de Conakry, emphasized the vital role ports play in global trade and economic growth and called for greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders to enhance infrastructure, adopt new technologies, and build efficient supply chains that benefit both local economies and global commerce. Diallo stated, “Connectivity between ports and the hinterland relies on robust infrastructure networks, including roads, railways, and waterways.