NPA posts record growth as ports drive trade boom and global relevance in 2025
- Nigerian Ports Authority reports unprecedented growth, transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector under Dr Abubakar Dantsoho's leadership
- Cargo volumes surge significantly, with exports rising 1,085% in Q3 2025, showcasing improved port efficiency
- Nigeria re-elected to the IMO Council, reaffirming its global maritime leadership and commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded unprecedented growth in 2025, signalling a major turnaround for Nigeria’s maritime sector as reforms under its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, begin to yield tangible results.
Since his appointment in July 2024, the NPA has undergone sweeping operational and structural changes, transforming Nigerian ports into more efficient trade hubs and strengthening their contribution to national economic growth.
Source: Original
Trade value rises as port efficiency improves
Figures released by the Authority show that sustained efficiency gains helped push Nigeria’s international trade value to ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024 alone, reflecting improved cargo handling, reduced turnaround times and growing investor confidence.
Dr Dantsoho also implemented the presidential directive on trading petroleum products in naira, a move that has helped ease pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthened domestic fiscal stability.
Transparency deepens through global port integration
A major milestone under the current leadership is Nigeria’s integration into the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), a move regarded as a precursor to the Federal Government’s National Single Window project.
The initiative has ushered in greater transparency across port operations and earned Dr Dantsoho an Award of Excellence for his role in modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Nigeria returns to global maritime leadership
Nigeria’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence marked another defining moment for the sector, underscoring the country’s renewed influence in global maritime affairs.
“This development reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Bola Tinubu commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their strategic engagement, assuring IMO member states that Nigeria would justify the renewed trust.
“Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives,” the President said.
Minister Oyetola described the re-election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.”
Dr Dantsoho added: “Nigeria has spoken boldly on the global stage, and today, the world is listening.”
First Nigerian-owned container vessel berths
In July 2025, the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon, a 349 TEU container vessel wholly owned by Nigerians, marked a historic breakthrough for indigenous shipping.
“We are fascinated that MV Ocean Dragon is wholly Nigerian, aligning with President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy and NPA’s focus on Nigerian content development,” Dr Dantsoho said.
Owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, the vessel will operate across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and South Africa, boosting regional trade and reducing logistics costs.
According to Clarion’s Vice President, Bernadine Eloka, the acquisition addresses the risks of road-dominated cargo movement and supports trade expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Exports surge as cargo volumes climb
Operational data released by the NPA shows exceptional growth in the third quarter of 2025, with export-laden container volumes surging by 1,085 per cent and total cargo throughput rising by 16.2 per cent.
Total container traffic increased by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 TEUs, while import-laden containers rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 TEUs. Export containers jumped to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs in the same period of 2024.
“The sharp rise in export containers also led to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling improved balance between imports and exports and stronger non-oil export activity,” the NPA said.
Ship traffic also expanded, with vessel calls increasing by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 and gross registered tonnage rising by 18 per cent to 42.64 million.
Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the dominant growth driver, handling 46.8 per cent of total cargo.
Green ports and digital reforms take centre stage
A fresh $60 million investment in green port initiatives has further strengthened sustainability efforts, while digital reforms continue to reshape port operations.
In the third quarter of 2025, the NPA launched the long-awaited Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port to tackle congestion and curb unregulated activities.
“The commencement of the Call-Up system will restore order, enhance port efficiency, and safeguard investments,” said Godwin Ololuke, Chairman of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC), Onne Chapter.
Truck driver Johnbull Igbikiowubo said stakeholder cooperation would determine the success of the initiative. “The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential for the benefit of everyone involved and the nation’s economy,” he said.
Dantsoho secures influential global roles
Nigeria’s maritime standing was further reinforced with Dr Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President for Africa of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), following elections held in Tokyo.
He also became the first Nigerian since 1972 to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), consolidating Nigeria’s leadership role in regional and global maritime affairs.
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2026 outlook anchored on $1bn port upgrade
Looking ahead, the NPA is preparing for a landmark transformation in 2026, driven by a $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernisation programme aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The project includes the rollout of a Port Community System, designed to automate cargo processes, plug revenue leakages and integrate Nigeria’s ports into a unified national trade ecosystem.
As 2026 approaches, the Authority says it is positioned to build on the gains of 2025 and redefine Nigeria’s maritime landscape through sustained investment, innovation and infrastructure expansion.
Source: Legit.ng
