The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has lauded the appointment of Abubakar Dantsoho as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Dantsoho succeeds Muhammed Bello-Koko, who served for three years until his recent removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
In a statement released by CONMMEP’s Public Relations Officer, Mcanthony Onuoha, on behalf of President Alhaji Tunde Umar-Daniah, the association expressed confidence in Dantsoho’s ability to leverage his extensive experience in enhancing the NPA’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“We congratulate you on your appointment as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority,” the statement read. “CONMMEP, comprising seasoned Maritime Journalists, believes your leadership will rejuvenate and strategically position the NPA for seamless operations and national economic advancement.”
The statement outlined key expectations from Dantsoho’s administration, including urgent budget releases to facilitate NPA operations and proposals to address security challenges at ports such as Apapa and TinCan Island Complex. CONMMEP proposed outsourcing port security to private investors to bolster efficiency and restore order, criticizing past reliance on ineffective task forces.
Furthermore, CONMMEP urged Dantsoho to allocate a portion of the NPA budget towards training maritime journalists, advocating for digitalization initiatives to improve operational efficiency and revenue integrity, thus boosting Nigeria’s global business ranking.
Emphasizing transparency, CONMMEP called for an open-door policy to foster better stakeholder engagement, particularly with journalists, and advocated against favoritism in media coverage. The association pledged continued cooperation with the NPA, underscoring its commitment to ethical journalism.
Dantsoho was encouraged to leave a lasting legacy at the NPA, with CONMMEP expressing optimism that his tenure would be celebrated as transformative for both the organization and the maritime sector.
The statement concluded with CONMMEP extending best wishes for a successful tenure to Dantsoho, affirming its highest regards.
