By Comfort Olayinka
The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led by its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has stated that, it is investing $1billion on the reconstruction of Tincan Island Port Complex and the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar Port Complexes.
Speaking through its Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA noted that these massive infrastructure projects are designed to align Nigeria’s ports with global standards, boost capacity, and support sustainable, green port development. These initiatives, alongside the activation of new ports and modernization of operational systems, are yielding unprecedented results across the sector.
In a landmark move last month, the NPA finalized a $1 billion agreement to develop the Snake Island Port on an 85-hectare site within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone. This follows similar strategic developments at the Badagry Deep Seaport, Ondo Deep Seaport, and Burutu Port, all currently progressing under various stages.
The authority emphasized that the transformation is not only structural but operational. In 2024, Nigeria’s ports recorded a 45.1% increase in cargo throughput, climbing from 71.2 million metric tons in 2023 to 103.3 million metric tons. Lekki Port led the charge with a staggering 2,160.8% increase in throughput, followed by Onne and Tin Can Island Ports.
Ship traffic also rose, with total ship calls increasing by 5.6%, and Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) up by 15.4%, reflecting a rise in larger vessels utilizing Nigerian ports. Container throughput grew by 9.7%, while export-laden containers surged by 53.7%, and transshipment traffic rocketed by 136.5%, positioning Nigerian ports as regional transshipment hubs.
Offshore and service operations also saw a dramatic rise. The number of service boats handled grew by 49.6%, with GRT for these vessels jumping 129.3% signaling intensified offshore activities and enhanced service capabilities.
Operational efficiency metrics improved as well. Average vessel turnaround time dropped from 4.7 to 4.6 days, with Lekki Port achieving a record 2.5 days. Berth Occupancy Rate also rose to 33%, underscoring better port utilization.
The NPA credited this progress to the performance-driven backing of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the robust implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy on crude and petroleum exports in Naira. This strategy, NPA says, is saving billions in foreign exchange, boosting trade balance, and enhancing national energy security.
The authority added that Nigeria achieved a trade surplus of N5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in Q3 2024, facilitated largely through exports processed via Nigerian ports.
Further innovations including the Port Community System (PCS), National Single Window, Port Automation, and Electronic Truck Call-Up system are part of NPA’s digital drive to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
In line with global trends, NPA also announced Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives in Independent Power Production, bunkering, logistics land use, freshwater supply, and ship maintenance a bold step toward full commercial and environmental sustainability.
“Nigeria’s ports are not just catching up; they are setting the pace for maritime transformation in Africa,” the statement concluded.
