NPA Records Significant Reforms, Infrastructure Boost Under Dantsoho’s Leadership
LAGOS, NIGERIA – In just over a year at the helm of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Managing Director/CEO Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has rolled out a series of transformative reforms and infrastructure upgrades that are repositioning the NPA as a competitive global maritime hub.
Backed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Dantsoho has focused on strategic interventions across port rehabilitation, automation, capacity expansion, and trade facilitation — all geared toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
$1 Billion Port Rehabilitation Takes Off
At the core of Dantsoho’s infrastructure agenda is the comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s aging port complexes. The long-awaited $1 billion reconstruction of the Tin Can Island Port is now underway, alongside major rehabilitation works at Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports. These efforts aim to modernize infrastructure and align Nigerian ports with international standards.
Expansion Through New Port Development
The NPA has secured a $1 billion investment for the Snake Island Port project within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, complementing ongoing progress on the Badagry, Ondo, and Burutu deep seaports. These new developments are key to expanding Nigeria’s port capacity and enhancing its strategic position in West African trade.
Driving Automation and Efficiency
Dr. Dantsoho has also prioritized digital transformation. The NPA recently secured Nigeria’s membership in the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) — a prerequisite for implementing the National Single Window (NSW) platform for seamless cargo and data exchange.
Truck traffic congestion at Lagos ports has been significantly eased through enhancements to the electronic call-up system, the introduction of satellite parks, and a time-belt traffic flow arrangement. This has greatly improved turnaround times and port access efficiency.
Export Growth and Economic Impact
NPA-led efficiencies helped Nigeria achieve a trade surplus of ₦5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in Q3 2024, as reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Notably, most exports were facilitated through NPA-managed terminals. The authority also supported the federal government's crude oil sales strategy in Naira, saving foreign exchange and boosting national energy security.
In addition, NPA is pursuing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in port-based power production, ship repairs, water supply, and logistics infrastructure to diversify its revenue base.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Regional Maritime Leadership
Dantsoho’s appointment as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) — the first Nigerian to hold the post since its inception in 1972 — has elevated Nigeria’s voice in maritime diplomacy. He also represents the country at the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC), boosting Nigeria’s prospects of regaining a seat on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Category C Council.
Port Statistics Signal Robust Growth
According to the NPA’s 2024 Consolidated Management Report:
- Cargo throughput surged 45.1% year-on-year to 103.3 million metric tons.
- Ship traffic increased 5.6% to 4,005 vessel calls, with gross registered tonnage up 15.4%.
- Container throughput rose 9.7% to 1.74 million TEUs, with export-laden containers increasing 53.7%.
- Service boat traffic climbed 49.6%, with GRT of such vessels more than doubling.
- Lekki Deep Seaport led growth in all categories, showcasing its rising relevance.
The report also showed improved operational efficiency: average vessel turnaround time reduced to 4.6 days, with Lekki Port achieving an industry-best 2.5 days.
Boosting Eastern Ports and Attracting Global Operators
In a bid to decongest Lagos and attract investments to eastern ports, Dantsoho has embarked on investment promotion tours. This has led to Hapag-Lloyd launching weekly services at the Onne Port, with the support of West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) and APM Terminals Nigeria.
Hapag-Lloyd Country MD Himmat Ahlawat described Nigeria as one of the company’s most important markets in Africa, pledging top-tier customer service and innovative digital tools to serve local exporters.
Improving Industrial Harmony
In line with his people-first approach, Dantsoho has prioritized staff welfare. The NPA resolved long-standing employee stagnation by conducting long-overdue promotions, increasing productivity bonuses, and reviewing key policy documents. The moves earned applause from both the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASGOC).
Industry Applause and Stakeholder Support
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, recently praised the NPA’s leadership, citing its crucial role in facilitating exports from the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plants, expected to generate over 600 ship calls annually.
Truckers in Rivers State also hailed the NPA for opening a key section of Road D at Onne Port. In Lagos, the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) gave a vote of confidence in the electronic call-up system, citing improved traffic flow and port access.
Conclusion
From infrastructure to trade facilitation and staff welfare, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s strategic interventions are reshaping the Nigerian Ports Authority into a globally competitive, innovation-driven agency. With strong institutional backing and stakeholder support, the NPA is set to anchor Nigeria’s emergence as a maritime and logistics powerhouse in Africa.
