The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated that its greatest asset lies not only in its infrastructure and technology but in its people — the driving force behind Nigeria’s maritime growth and competitiveness.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made this known on Monday during the maiden edition of the National Mentoring Day celebration held at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Vivian Richard-Edet, Dantsoho described the event as a landmark moment in NPA’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, fostering knowledge sharing, and building a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
“This occasion marks an important milestone in our commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and institutionalising a culture of continuous learning and professional development,” he said.
He noted that while the Authority continues to invest in world-class port infrastructure and advanced technology, its true competitive edge remains its workforce.
“As an organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, we recognise that our true strength lies not only in infrastructure and technology but, more importantly, in our people,” Dantsoho emphasised.
The Managing Director also commended the contributions of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving at the NPA, describing them as the next generation of innovators and administrators who will shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“The young professionals serving here under the NYSC are not just temporary participants; you represent the next wave of innovators, administrators, and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime sector and, by extension, our national economy,” he added.
National Mentoring Day, established in 2014 and inaugurated in London in 2016, is celebrated globally on October 27 each year. The day promotes mentorship as a tool for personal and professional growth, encouraging individuals and organisations to provide guidance that helps others realise their potential.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusion and empowerment through mentorship.
