The NPA, Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its history under the leadership of Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho. From massive infrastructure rehabilitation to digital innovation and international recognition, the Authority is redefining the face of port operations in Nigeria.
Representing the Managing Director at today Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos, where the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) host its highly anticipated Conference and Awards in partnership with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML).
With the theme:“Maritime Development: Training, Port Efficiency and Shipping Imperatives” lies a deeply human story: one of resilience, reform, and the quiet power of the press to shape national conversation, Hadiza Usman Shu’aibu emphasized the NPA’s renewed focus on global best practices and modern infrastructure as part of its mandate to drive efficient maritime trade.
At the core of this transformation is the $1 billion reconstruction of the dilapidated Tin Can Island Port Complex. Alongside this, comprehensive rehabilitation is already underway at the Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports. According to the NPA, these efforts are essential to restoring the structural integrity of Nigeria’s busiest gateways to the global economy.
Port Expansion and Green Port Development
As part of efforts to expand capacity and embrace sustainability, the NPA is guiding the development of new port projects including the Snake Island Port, the Badagry Deep Seaport, the Ondo Deep Seaport, and the Burutu Port. These projects are all at various stages of execution and aim to meet future trade demands while supporting the global shift towards green ports.
Digital Leap Forward
To improve operational efficiency, the NPA is fast-tracking the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window (NSW). Nigeria’s recent admission into the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) marks a key milestone, providing the necessary platform to fully deploy digital solutions across port operations.
Another critical intervention is the enhancement of the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, introduced to address the persistent gridlock around Lagos ports. Satellite truck parks and time-belt scheduling have improved truck movement and reduced congestion, contributing to Nigeria’s improved Ease of Doing Business rankings.
Economic Gains and Trade Surplus
The Dantsoho-led administration is also credited with delivering tangible economic results. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) reported a trade surplus of ₦5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in Q3 2024—driven in part by greater port efficiency and increased export volumes.
To build on this progress, the NPA has activated a Public-Private Partnership framework to unlock new revenue sources. These include projects in port-based power generation, logistics on fallow lands, marine bunkering, freshwater provision, and ship maintenance services.
Regional Leadership and Global Ambitions
In a landmark achievement, Dr. Dantsoho became the first Nigerian to be elected President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) since its founding in 1972. His leadership is also central to Nigeria’s ongoing campaign for re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a seat that grants countries influence over global maritime policy.
2024 Port Performance Report Shows Significant Growth
The NPA’s 2024 Consolidated Management Report paints a picture of strong operational performance. Cargo throughput surged by 45.1%, rising from 71.2 million metric tons in 2023 to 103.3 million metric tons in 2024. Ship traffic and service boat operations also recorded growth, indicating rising investor confidence and improved turnaround times.
Industry Collaboration
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stakeholders, including the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, recognizing their role in shaping discourse and accountability within the sector.
As Nigeria’s ports undergo this far-reaching transformation, industry observers say the Authority is not only modernizing infrastructure but also reshaping the country’s maritime destiny—anchoring its relevance in regional leadership and global trade integration.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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