Driving Change with Vision and Action
In just one year, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has made bold strides in modernizing Nigeria’s ports and positioning the country as a regional maritime powerhouse. Backed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Dantsoho is reshaping port infrastructure, driving automation, and unlocking massive economic value.
$1 Billion Port Rehabilitation Begins
Dantsoho wasted no time in executing his vision. The long-awaited $1 billion reconstruction of the Tin Can Island Port is now underway. This includes extensive upgrades to Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports to meet international standards and improve efficiency.
New Ports, Bigger Capacity
To expand Nigeria’s port capacity, NPA under Dantsoho has launched major new projects:
Finalized a $1 billion agreement to develop Snake Island Port.
Advanced development of Badagry, Ondo, and Burutu Deep Seaports. These efforts support NPA’s vision to become Africa’s maritime logistics hub.
Digital Shift: Automation and Efficiency
Dantsoho’s leadership has driven NPA’s automation agenda:
Nigeria joined the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA).
Laid the groundwork for the National Single Window – a global best practice for trade efficiency.
Strengthened the electronic truck call-up system with satellite parks and time scheduling to cut traffic gridlock and improve cargo movement.
Export Growth and Trade Surplus
Improved port efficiency under Dantsoho played a key role in Nigeria achieving a N5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) trade surplus in Q3 2024, according to NESG. A boost driven by streamlined crude exports, use of naira in petroleum sales, and renewed port activity.
New Revenue from PPPs
NPA is leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to unlock fresh revenue streams in:
Port-based power generation
Bunkering stations
Logistics hubs on unused land
Ship repairs and fresh water services
International Recognition: PMAWCA Presidency
Dantsoho made history as the first Nigerian elected President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) since its founding in 1972. His leadership now places Nigeria at the forefront of maritime policy across Africa.
Reviving Eastern Ports
With his deep experience as a former Onne Port Manager, Dantsoho is reviving interest in non-Lagos ports:
Hapag-Lloyd has launched weekly shipping services at Onne Port, opening direct global connections.
Investments are pouring into Rivers, Calabar, and Burutu ports following strategic outreach by NPA.
2024: A Record Year for Nigerian Ports
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the 2024 NPA Management Report:
Cargo throughput jumped 45.1%, from 71.2m to 103.3m metric tons.
Lekki Port led with a 2,160.8% surge in cargo.
Ship calls rose 5.6%, while GRT rose 15.4%.
Container traffic increased 9.7%, with exports rising 53.7%.
Transshipment traffic saw a 136.5% jump.
Service boat operations boomed 49.6%, GRT up 129.3%.
Average vessel turnaround time improved to 4.6 days; Lekki Port averaged just 2.5 days.
Berth occupancy grew to 33%.
Worker Welfare and Industrial Harmony
Dantsoho’s administration has prioritized staff welfare and labor harmony:
Cleared backlogs and fast-tracked promotions.
Increased productivity bonuses and improved staff welfare packages.
Collaborated closely with unions like MWUN and SSASGOC, earning praise from workers.
Stakeholders Applaud
From truckers to titans of industry, Dantsoho’s leadership is getting results:
Aliko Dangote, NPA’s biggest customer, praised Dantsoho’s leadership and pledged further collaboration.
Truckers in Onne and Apapa hailed the opening of Road D and the success of the electronic call-up system, saying it’s eased cargo movement and reduced gridlock
Conclusion: A New Era for Nigerian Ports
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has ignited a new era of innovation, investment, and international relevance for the Nigerian Ports Authority. His blend of strategic vision, operational experience, and results-focused leadership is turning the NPA into a true driver of economic growth and regional maritime dominance.
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