As  Nigerian Ports Authority plays, NPA plays its pivotal role in facilitating Maritime Trade in Nigeria by aligning with the international best practices, Managing Director of the Agency, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho,  has since Commenced the finalisation of documentation and commencement of actual works on the $1billion  reconstruction of the aged Tincan Island Port Complex and the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes to ensure their infrastructural integrity.

Speaking at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, AMJON, Conference, 2025,  disclosed that the Port capacity expansion through the operationalisation of new Ports and advancement of green port development. such as  the development of the snake island Port in addition to the Badagry deep sea port, Ondo deep seaport and Burutu Ports are at various stages of progress under the technical guidance of the Nigerian Ports Authority even as the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window are been aggressively implemented.

Also, the Authority has concluded Nigeria’s membership of the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) which is a necessary precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project.

Another milestone is the the Electronic Truck call up system which is the electronic Management of truck traffic,  conceived to sustainably tackle the excruciating traffic gridlock has been firmed up through the introduction of satellite truck parks and time belts resulting in significant Ease of Doing Business at the ports.

The Ports Authority gave clarity on some operational areas to include:

EXPORT GROWTH AND TRADE SURPLUS

The Managing Director’s insistence on Port efficiencies has culminated in Nigeria’s attainment of trade surplus of N5.81 trillion ($3.7billion) in third quarter of 2024 as reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group(NESG). NPA under the Dantsoho has put Public Private Partnership modalities in motion to drive revenue  from Ports Independent Power Production, Fallow Lands for Logistics, Bunkering Stations, Fresh Water Provision and Ship Repairs and Maintenance.

Another achievement of the Dantsoho led NPA is the promotion of Nigeria’s standing in the comity of maritime nations with his pioneering victory and election as the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) ; the first Nigerian to be elected since the inception of the prestigious regional maritime bloc in 1972.

The Managing Director also leads, provides the diplomatic capital necessary for actualizing Nigeria’s quest for re-admission into the influential “Category  C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

PORT STATISTICS

The 2024 Consolidated Management Report of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) highlights significant improvements in Port activities, with multiple indicators pointing to robust growth across various sectors. The Authority have experienced remarkable progress from Cargo Throughput to ship traffic and services boat operations.

One of the mist notable achievements in 2024 was the substantial increase in cargo Throughput. Cargo traffic surged by 45.1%, rising from 71,213,197 metric tons in 2023 to 103,336,863 metric tons in 2024. This increase reflects heightened trade activities and improved operations efficiencies.

Moving forward, NPA assures that the Agency is dedicated to a continued relationship and optimal support to the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria as it charged AMJON members to be professional and resolute in carrying out their duties as integrating the ports into  all national policies and planing is vital for the overall development of the country.