Under the leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and the unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is undergoing a underway remarkable transformation, recording notable infrastructure upgrades, operational reforms, and strategic policy implementation that are boosting Nigeria’s maritime sector.
From port reconstruction and automation to export growth and stakeholder partnerships, the authority’s trajectory reflects a renewed drive to optimize the country’s littoral assets and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub.
*$1 Billion Port Infrastructure Overhaul*
True to his promise to enhance port infrastructure, Dr. Dantsoho has commenced actual construction on the long-awaited $1 billion rehabilitation of the Tincan Island Port Complex. Simultaneous comprehensive upgrades are underway at the Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports to align them with international standards and support future maritime demands.
*Expansion of Port Capacity and New Developments*
In a bid to expand port capacity, Dantsoho recently led the NPA in finalizing a $1 billion development agreement for the Snake Island Port, situated on an 85-hectare site within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone. Additionally, projects such as the Badagry Deep Seaport, Ondo Deep Seaport, and Burutu Port are progressing steadily under NPA’s technical oversight. The Authority is also aggressively pushing for the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, crucial components for enhancing port competitiveness.
*Port Automation and Traffic Decongestion*
Dr. Dantsoho’s administration has driven technological innovation with the successful inclusion of Nigeria in the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), paving the way for a full-scale deployment of the National Single Window for seamless cargo documentation and clearance.
The electronic truck call-up system, a key intervention for reducing traffic congestion at port access roads, has been enhanced through satellite truck parks and strict time-belt scheduling—ushering in greater operational efficiency and ease of doing business.
*Exports Growth and Record Trade Surplus*
Under Dantsoho’s leadership, port efficiencies contributed significantly to Nigeria’s N5.81 trillion (\$3.7 billion) trade surplus in Q3 of 2024, according to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). The NPA also played a vital role in supporting the federal government’s strategy to sell crude and petroleum products in Naira, improving FOREX savings and national energy security.
The Authority has also activated Public-Private Partnership models to monetize untapped assets including Independent Power Projects (IPPs), ship repairs, freshwater provisioning, bunkering stations, and logistics platforms on fallow lands.
*Nigeria Gains Maritime Diplomatic Strength*
In a diplomatic milestone, Dr. Dantsoho emerged as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), the first Nigerian to lead the bloc since its creation in 1972. He also chairs the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC), boosting Nigeria’s chances for re-election into the prestigious “Category C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Dantsoho’s leadership has also seen an unprecedented increase in transshipment cargo through Lekki Deep Seaport, supporting trade for landlocked neighboring countries and reclaiming cargo volumes lost to regional competitors.
*Eastern Port Revival and Foreign Shipping Interest*
Leveraging his experience as former Port Manager of Onne, Dantsoho embarked on an investment drive to revitalize Eastern Ports. This move has yielded positive results, including Hapag-Lloyd’s decision to launch direct service from the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne—connecting East Nigeria to global trade routes.
Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, and Himmat Ahlawat, Country Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd, both hailed the partnership as a testament to Nigeria’s growing maritime potential and commitment to logistics development in the East.
*Outstanding Port Statistics*
According to the NPA’s 2024 Consolidated Management Report, Nigerian ports recorded a 45.1% surge in cargo throughput, from 71.2 million metric tons in 2023 to over 103.3 million in 2024. Lekki Port led this growth with a staggering 2,160.8% increase. Ship calls also rose by 5.6%, and gross registered tonnage increased by 15.4%.
Container throughput climbed 9.7% to 1.74 million TEUs, with export-laden containers rising by 53.7%, and transshipment traffic soaring by 136.5%. Service boat operations saw a 49.6% increase, reflecting heightened offshore activities. The average vessel turnaround time improved to 4.6 days, while Lekki Port achieved an industry-best of 2.5 days.
*Industrial Harmony and Staff Welfare*
Dr. Dantsoho has also prioritized industrial harmony and staff welfare, collaborating effectively with the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) and SSASGOC. Milestones include clearing years-long promotion backlogs, revising staff financial guidelines in line with inflation, increasing productivity bonuses, and improving welfare packages.
*Stakeholder Commendations*
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, commended the NPA’s performance, especially the smooth handling of crude, product, and fertilizer shipments from Lekki Port. “The NPA under Dr. Dantsoho has demonstrated capacity to support our large-scale operations. We’re confident in their ability to deliver,” he said.
Truckers in Rivers State and maritime unions have also praised the NPA for improving infrastructure at Onne Port and for the seamless operation of the e-call up system at Apapa and Tin Can ports, which has reduced gridlock and facilitated smoother cargo evacuation.
*Conclusion*
From reviving long-abandoned infrastructure to expanding Nigeria’s maritime reach globally, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has repositioned the Nigerian Ports Authority as a critical pillar for national development. His strategic reforms and stakeholder-driven approach are widely seen as laying the foundation for a stronger, more competitive maritime economy.