UK delegation visits NPA, deepens maritime cooperation with Nigeria

Economy & Policy

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with the United Kingdom following a high-level visit by a British delegation led by the Deputy British High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, and the United Kingdom National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh.

The delegation, which also included officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, at the authority’s headquarters.

The visitors were received by the NPA Managing Director, alongside the Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, and other members of the authority’s senior management team.

Discussions centred on expanding the longstanding maritime partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of hydrography, navigational safety, port development and capacity building.

During the meeting, Dantsoho highlighted the NPA’s ongoing modernisation initiatives, including major investments in port rehabilitation, channel improvement projects and critical infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in the region.

The Managing Director noted that the reforms are aimed at improving port competitiveness, facilitating trade and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.

The UK delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s hydrographic development through technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Areas of support discussed include nautical charting, implementation of S-100 hydrographic standards, digitalisation of maritime services and specialised training programmes for NPA personnel.

Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration would contribute to safer navigation, improved port operations and greater efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.