Nigeria, Tanzania Deepen Maritime Ties With Strategic Visit To NPA Headquarters

Harboursandport.con: Lagos, Nigeria — August 6, 2025: In a significant step toward strengthening maritime cooperation across Africa, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday hosted a high-powered delegation from Tanzania’s marine, transportation, and petroleum sectors at its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

The visit, led by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, brought together key industry leaders from both nations to explore collaborative opportunities in port development, shipping logistics, and regional trade facilitation.

Welcoming the delegation, NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that enhance port efficiency and drive economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (4th Right); Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele (3rd Right); the Managing Director Tanzania Shipping Company Limited, Mr. Eric Benedict Hamissi (2nd Right); Representative of the Managing Director, NLNG Shipping & Marine Limited, Dr. Ekanem Attah Effiong (1st Right); Executive Director, Fin. & Admin. NPA, Ms Vivian Richard-Edet (2nd Left); and Executive Director Eng’g & Tech. Serv., Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (1st Left); on Tuesday 5th August, 2025 when the Tanzanian delegation of Marine, Transportation, and Petroleum Sector captains of industry paid a visit to the NPA Headquarters in Marina.

“This engagement marks a new chapter in our shared maritime ambitions. We are keen to exchange knowledge, build capacity, and unlock the full potential of African ports through cooperation,” Dantsoho said.

Other dignitaries present included Mr. Eric Benedict Hamissi, Managing Director of Tanzania Shipping Company Limited; Dr. Ekanem Attah Effiong, representing NLNG Shipping & Marine Limited; Ms. Vivian Richard-Edet, NPA’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration; and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services.

The Tanzanian delegation expressed admiration for Nigeria’s port infrastructure and regulatory framework, noting the importance of inter-country collaboration in boosting intra-African trade and maritime security.

This visit follows Tanzania’s recent endorsement of Nigeria’s candidacy for a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, signaling a growing alliance between the two nations in global maritime affairs.

As discussions continue, both sides are expected to explore joint ventures, technical exchanges, and policy harmonization aimed at transforming Africa’s maritime landscape.