NPA Urges Bonded Terminal Operators To Re-strategize
NPA Urges Bonded Terminal Operators To Re-strategize
- Don Climax Media
- April 3, 2026
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has advised inland container depots and bonded terminal operations to re-strategize in order to continue to be business.
The Managing Director of the Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Lagos. Fielding questions from the journalists, Dantsoho said operators of inland container depots and bonded terminals must adapt to changing realities. He said that declining congestion at the ports may render their current business models obsolete.
“They played their role during congestion. But business is dynamic. They must re-strategize,” he noted frankly, noting that it was congestion that necessitated their existence. NPA’s advice is coming amid continued complaints of marginalization by port terminal operators, leading to loss of investments.
On the lingering port concession review, Dr. Abubakar Danthoso explained that the continued delay in review of concession agreements and renewal of expired concessions was due to ongoing efforts by the federal government to fashion out strong legal framework that would enhance investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s port system.
Dr. Danthoso said government is focused on correcting structural issues in existing agreements before approving renewals. He acknowledged concerns raised by terminal operators over uncertainty but maintained that a flawed agreement would do more harm than a delayed one. “The end justifies the means. It is better to get it right than to rush into agreements that will be challenged later,” he said.
Dantsoho noted that both the NPA and concessionaires had raised concerns over unmet obligations, which must be resolved before any extension. He stressed that investors prioritize clarity and legal certainty over speed. “No investor will put money where the legal framework is weak. What matters is the quality of the agreement, not how fast it is signed,” he stressed.
He remarked that the outcome of the review could attract new investors, especially if existing operators choose not to continue.
Media Contact:
Enyeribe Anyanwu
08023184991
