Nigeria is the biggest helper for the Port of Antwerp in West Africa. They move over 6 million tonnes of goods every year.
This shows that Nigeria and the Port of Antwerp have strong trade ties. Nigeria is very important in this trade relationship.
On Tuesday, the head of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, met Pieter Leenknegt, the Ambassador of Belgium, at the NPA’s office in Lagos.
The NPA shared this news on their X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday.
The Port of Antwerp is known as the main European port for Africa. It has strong supply chain links and handles almost 17 million tonnes of goods each year. Nigeria’s share is over 6 million tonnes, making it the biggest part of this trade.
“The Port of Antwerp is Africa’s gateway in Europe because it has many supply chain connections. The mix of shipping, logistics, and industrial activities make it unique.
“No other port in North-West Europe sends more goods directly to West Africa than Antwerp.
“Every year, Antwerp handles almost 17 million tonnes of goods to West Africa, making up 31% of the market. Nigeria, with over 6 million tonnes, is the largest part of this,” the statement said.
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The meeting also talked about using the experience of the Antwerp Port Community to help Nigeria’s Port Community System (PCS).
PCS aims to make port operations better and support the upcoming National Single Window Project from Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This shows NPA’s goal to be a leader in port operations in the region.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, said he fully supports improving NPA’s skills. This support will help Nigeria expand trade in West and Central Africa, showing Nigeria’s important role in regional trade.