Uche Cecil Izuora
The ongoing reform and modernization drive championed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has earned international recognition, with the World Bank ranking the Tin Can Island Port Complex and Apapa Port Complex among the world’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports.
According to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released in June 2026 by the World Bank, both ports were listed in the Top 20 Port Improvement category, underscoring the remarkable gains recorded in operational efficiency and turnaround time under the current management.
The CPPI is a globally recognized benchmark that provides a consistent, data-driven assessment of port performance based on vessel time spent in port. The index enables comparisons across ports worldwide and over time, helping to identify areas of progress as well as operational challenges requiring attention.
The latest recognition comes on the heels of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s trade surplus. Through enhanced efficiency and improved port operations, the NPA has continued to provide the platform for Nigeria’s successive attainment of trade surpluses since 2024. Most recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of the nation’s ports to economic growth and international trade.
Reacting to the World Bank report, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the achievement to the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy.”
The recognition is expected to strengthen investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reinforce the country’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub in West Africa.