ETo Call-up: Former NPA Lagos Port Manager, Bola Olotu Showcases Private Sector Success at Global Maritime Summits in Morocco, Ghana
Mrs Bola Olotu (left) with Prof. Kitada Momoko of World Maritime University and IMO’s Recipient of 2025 Gender Equality Awards
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The future of Atlantic Africa is being actively re-imagined by regional experts, including Mrs. Bola Funmilayo Olotu, former Lagos Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Her insightful contributions at two major international forums in December 2025 underscored the critical role of private sector confidence and resilient infrastructure in achieving sustainable Blue Economy growth across the continent.
Mrs. Olotu was a prominent figure at the Maritime Security Summit in Accra, Ghana held from December 1st to 3rd, a high-profile event co-sponsored by organizations including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the German Federal Foreign Office.
As a panelist on “Private Sector Confidence and Protection of Critical Infrastructure,” she addressed the complexities of involving the private sector in traditionally government-dominated areas.
In her presentation, Mrs. Olotu provided a compelling example of successful private-sector intervention, citing the transformation along the Apapa Port Access Roads in Lagos.
According to her, the introduction of the Truck Transit Park, TTP’s ‘ETO Call-up Application exemplifies private sector confidence that fundamentally changed the narrative from chaos to control.
“This led to better visibility and management, improved port ecosystem security, quicker vessel turnaround, and significantly reduced cargo dwell time. These analytics prove that private sector-driven trade and logistics confidence directly attracts investment, which ultimately supports Blue Economy growth.”
During the Summit, Mrs. Olotu also anchored two key “World Cafe” sessions focused on Gender Balance in Maritime Security.
Later in the month, Mrs. Olotu participated in the influential Atlantic Dialogues (AD2025) Conference, organized by the Policy Center for the New South in Rabat, Morocco from December 11th to 13th.
The event provided an impactful platform for global legends, veterans, active professionals, and emerging young leaders to share ideas and boost confidence in African Resilience and Re-positioning for the future.
Among 44 selected experts, Mrs. Olotu contributed her expertise to the 12th Edition of the Atlantic Currents, an annual report on Wider Atlantic Perspectives.
Her written contribution focused on the vital topic: “Blue Economy and Resource Sustainability as Panacea to Africa’s Geo-Political Challenges.”
In closing her remarks on the need for a collaborative environment, Mrs. Olotu stressed the distinct advantages private operators bring, saying that “A secured environment demonstrably reduces risks. Private operators bring specialized knowledge that enhances maritime governance, safety standards, and crisis-response mechanisms.
L-R: Dr. Jaiyeola, Eniola Mafe, Mrs. Olotu, PCNS Official, Damilola, Olanrewaju, and Maria.
“To unlock the full potential of these contributions, we must ensure an enabling environment that consistently inspires confidence and minimizes risk for all stakeholders.” She concluded.
