Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality…WARREN BENNIS……. Effective leadership involves a diverse set of skills, including communication, decision making, problem solving, delegation and ability to build strong relationships and foster positive team environment. Leadership skills refer to the competencies and qualities that enable individuals to guide , motivate and influence others towards the achievement of shared goals and objectives. Good leadership skills remain the backbone of any successful organization to guide teams and navigate challenges , drive innovations. If Abubakar Dantsoho must succeed as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, he has no choice than to embrace these basic leadership tenets in line with the vision and mission of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make Nigerian ports the hub of excellence in the West and Central African sub region.Is Dr Dantsoho a team player who is leading from the front? These are the questions stakeholders desperately seek answers to, just as expectations are high that he delivers on his primary mandate of providing an efficient and cost effective port environment. What has perhaps raised the bar for the NPA helmsman is his recent election as Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central African, PMAWCA. This mandate comes with huge responsibilities part of which is showcasing Nigeria Ports as models in the sub region. The Nigerian Port Authority plays a crucial role in the development of the Nigeria’s Maritime industry which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health. Reforming the Nigerian Ports Authority is vital to improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness of Nigerian Ports against neighboring countries. Below are some recommended reforms Abubakar Dantsoho may wish to consider as he navigates through these stormy and turbulent waters. (1) Infrastructure Upgrade, Development and modernization. This involves embarking on an aggressive repairs of port facilities, dredging of Waterways, especially the warri port by repairing the breakwaters , fixing navigational buoys and markers . Luckily for the NPA helmsman, his boss , Adegboyega Oyetola, has backed his words with concrete action by taking his cries to FEC which recently approved about $700m for the Apapa and Tin Can Ports upgrade . The Management should also invest heavily in modern equipment , technology ,including automated cargo systems 2. Maintenance and expansion of port capacity should reflect the corresponding increase in cargo traffic. The NPA must ensure effective maintenance of Ports and jetties, expand existing ones to handle increased cargo volumes. 3. Littoral States should be encouraged to develop additional ports, but this must depend on the outcome of well researched studies. Lagos State has taken the lead in this regard and has proven that under a PPP arrangement, ports can be viable if well managed. Presently, several States are taking a queue from Lagos with ambitious deep Seaport projects. The Federal and State governments should be encouraged to diversify into building specialized facilities for larger vessels and export terminals, including liquefied natural gas and offshore energy components. 4.Bunkering. It is unacceptable that Nigeria is losing a huge chunk of the bunkering business to our neighboring states due to some issues bordering on governance. The NPA under Abubakar Dantsoho should take the bull by the horns and restore parity at Nigerian Ports. 5. Dry Ports . These are certainly under the purview of the Nigerian Shippers Council which has made significant progress in this regard, but we must resist the temptation of establishing one in each State of the Federation . 6. Port Connectivity. The NPA must take inter port connectivity seriously, and there is every indication that Dantsoho is moving towards that direction. Rail and road links with our ports will reduce traffic and ensure smooth cargo evacuation. 7. Time has come for us to focus on environmentally responsible ports. In other climes, attention is gradually moving towards green and smart ports with adaptable technologies. Nigeria has what it takes to lead such a campaign on the African continent by investing in eco friendly infrastructures such as renewable energy sources, shore power facilities and waste management systems. 8. Nigerian Ports Authority should collaborate with Abuja MoU and NIMASA to ensure that Nigeria fulfills its Coastal and Ports States responsibilities in line with United Nations Conventions on Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. 9. Single Window System. It is heartwarming to observe that discussions at the highest levels of government is thinking in that direction. The need for a unified digital platform for processing shipping documents to reduce beauracracy and delays cannot be over emphasized. 10. Staff Welfare. If my information is accurate, i understand the NPA had its last pay check raise in 2007. . If this is true, urgent steps should be taken to correct this anomaly as this could lead to lower productivity and might result to frustration. We also understand that this has created a lot of vancancies, especially within the management cadre which is also top heavy. We also expect more technical and regulatory training programs for Staff to keep them abreast with global best practices. 11. There’s currently a serious competition for cargo destined for the West and Central African sub region, where Nigeria used to control over 65per cent of the traffic. But one thing we are not doing is a sustained marketing strategy. Nigeria must , in collaboration with her terminal Operators , be involved in rigorous marketing of her ports and make them more user friendly. 12. And last but not the least, is the status of Terminal Operators. For several years, the issue about renewal of their contracts have been on the front burner. This is the best time to put this issue behind us further delays might negatively affect investors confidence in our Ports. As a listening leader, team player and one who consults widely, it is expected that Abubakar Dantsoho would take the appropriate decisions and steps to turn Nigerian Ports around.