‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it recorded one of its most remarkable transformations in decades in 2025, following wide-ranging reforms, major investments and growing international influence in the maritime sector.
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‎The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the reforms had repositioned Nigerian ports as more efficient, transparent and economically impactful.
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‎Dantsoho, who was appointed in July 2024, said the improved efficiency of port operations contributed significantly to Nigeria’s international trade value, which reached ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024.
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‎He said a key highlight of the reforms was the implementation of the Presidential directive permitting the trading of petroleum products in naira, a move aimed at easing pressure on foreign exchange and aligning port operations with national fiscal policy.
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‎According to him, the NPA also strengthened transparency and digitalisation through Nigeria’s integration into the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) and sustained advocacy for the National Single Window project.
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‎“These initiatives are part of our commitment to modernising port operations and improving ease of doing business,” Dantsoho said.
‎The efforts earned him an Award of Excellence for contributions to the modernisation of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
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‎In 2025, Nigeria’s growing relevance in global maritime affairs was underscored by its re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence.
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‎Nigeria was elected into Category C of the council, comprising 19 countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation.
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‎Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the re-election reflected global confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
‎President Bola Tinubu commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, and the country’s diplomatic team for what he described as effective and strategic engagement.
‎Oyetola described the re-election as a “landmark endorsement of renewed international confidence in Nigeria,” while Dantsoho said Nigeria had “spoken boldly on the global maritime stage.”
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‎Operationally, the NPA recorded several historic milestones, including the berthing of the MV Ocean Dragon in July 2025.
‎The vessel, owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd., is the first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel of its kind, with a capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
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‎The Vice President of Clarion Shipping, Ms Bernadine Eloka, said the investment would enhance regional trade, reduce logistics costs and support short-sea shipping across West Africa, in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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‎She added that the vessel would reduce reliance on road transport and promote safer and more efficient cargo movement.
‎On sustainability, the Authority said it committed an additional 60 million dollars to green port initiatives and local content development in 2025.
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‎The investments coincided with record performance figures recorded by the Authority. In the third quarter of 2025, export-laden container volumes increased by 1,085 per cent, total cargo throughput rose by 16.2 per cent, while container traffic grew by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 TEUs.
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‎Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as a major growth driver, accounting for nearly half of total cargo throughput, while vessel calls increased by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships.
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‎Dantsoho attributed the performance to improved operational efficiency, digital expansion and export-focused economic reforms, noting that the reforms had helped achieve a better balance between imports and exports.
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‎On the international front, Nigeria’s maritime profile was further boosted by Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) for Africa.
‎He also emerged as the first Nigerian since 1972 to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).

‎Domestically, the NPA launched the long-awaited Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port in Rivers to address traffic congestion, curb extortion and improve port access control.

‎Stakeholders, including truck drivers and port consultants, have described the initiative as a critical step towards restoring order and protecting investments in the port environment.
‎Looking ahead, the Authority said it had unveiled plans for 2026, including a one-billion-dollar port rehabilitation and modernisation programme.

‎It also plans to roll out a Port Community System aimed at integrating maritime, rail and aviation logistics into a unified digital trade ecosystem.
‎With the gains recorded in 2025 and ongoing reforms, the NPA expressed optimism that Nigeria’s ports are on course to play a more competitive role in global shipping and trade.