The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded one of its most significant turnarounds in decades, with 2025 emerging as a defining year for Nigeria’s maritime sector following sweeping reforms, massive investments and rising global influence.
Under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, appointed in July 2024, the Authority has repositioned Nigerian ports as more efficient, transparent and economically impactful hubs. The renewed efficiency has contributed to Nigeria’s international trade value hitting ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024 alone.
A major highlight of the reforms was the implementation of the presidential directive allowing petroleum products to be traded in naira, a move that eased pressure on foreign exchange demand and aligned port operations with national fiscal policy.
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. These initiatives earned Dr. Dantsoho an Award of Excellence for his role in modernising maritime infrastructure.
In 2025, Nigeria’s growing maritime relevance was further underlined by its re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence. The development placed Nigeria among 19 countries in Category C, reserved for nations with special interests in maritime transport and navigation.
Reacting to the achievement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the re-election reflected global confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the diplomatic team for their strategic engagement.
Minister Oyetola described the victory as a “landmark endorsement of renewed international confidence in Nigeria,” while Dr. Dantsoho noted that Nigeria had “spoken boldly on the global stage.”
Operationally, the Authority recorded historic milestones, including the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon in July 2025 — the first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel of its kind. Owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, the 349-TEU vessel is expected to enhance regional trade, cut logistics costs and support short-sea shipping across West Africa and beyond.
Clarion Shipping’s Vice President, Bernadine Eloka, said the investment would reduce dependence on risky road transport and deepen regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Sustainability also featured prominently in NPA’s 2025 agenda, with a fresh $60 million investment in green port initiatives and local content development.
These efforts coincided with record-breaking performance figures. In Q3 2025, export-laden container volumes surged by 1,085 per cent, total cargo throughput rose by 16.2 per cent, while container traffic increased by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 TEUs.
Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the leading growth driver, handling nearly half of total cargo, while vessel calls rose by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships.
Dr. Dantsoho attributed the gains to improved operational efficiency, digital expansion and export-focused economic reforms, noting a better balance between imports and exports.
On the international front, Nigeria’s maritime influence expanded further with Dr. Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) for Africa, as well as his emergence as the first Nigerian since 1972 to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
Domestically, the NPA also launched the long-awaited Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port in Rivers State to tackle traffic congestion, curb extortion and enhance port efficiency. Stakeholders, including truck drivers and port consultants, have welcomed the initiative as a critical step toward restoring order and protecting investments.
Looking ahead, the Authority has unveiled ambitious plans for 2026, including a $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernisation project and the rollout of a Port Community System designed to integrate maritime, rail and aviation logistics under a unified digital trade ecosystem.
With the gains of 2025 and bold reforms underway, the NPA is widely viewed as being on course to redefine Nigeria’s maritime landscape and strengthen its position in global shipping and trade.
