The Nigerian Ports Authority has secured global recognition as Apapa and Tin Can ports ranked among the world’s top 20 improved ports.

NPA’s managing director, Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during an interview in Lagos on Monday. He described Nigeria’s ranking in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index report as historic.

Mr Dantsoho said the inclusion marked the first time Nigerian ports featured in the category measuring efficiency improvements. He explained that the CPPI measures operational efficiency and improvements in vessel turnaround time across global ports.

The NPA boss said the 2025 report placed both ports among the top performers. He attributed the achievement to reforms, digitisation, automation and reduced bureaucratic delays across port operations nationwide.

“CPPI provides data-driven assessments of port performance based on vessel time spent from arrival to departure,” he said.

Mr Dantsoho said the index enabled fair comparisons, highlighted progress, and identified operational challenges needing urgent attention.

“For years, Apapa and Tin Can suffered reputational damage from congestion, truck gridlock and manual cargo clearance,” he said.

He added that those challenges increased costs and pushed shipping lines towards neighbouring countries. According to him, the new ranking shows that the situation has improved due to improved port operations.

“Faster vessel turnaround cuts logistics costs, speeds cargo delivery and restores shipping firms’ confidence,” Mr Dantsoho said.

He noted that efficient port operations have contributed to Nigeria’s broader economic performance since 2024.

Mr Dantsoho said recent NBS figures showing a ₦7.54 trillion trade surplus reflected strong contributions from the maritime sector. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying they encouraged investment in port infrastructure and modernisation.

The NPA boss also acknowledged the support of Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy.

“With supportive policies and ministerial backing, we can enhance trade facilitation and boost the economy,” he said.

Mr Dantsoho said the recognition would strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector globally. He noted that the next challenge was sustaining improvements to achieve higher rankings in the future.

“The goal is moving from being most improved to becoming among the most efficient ports,” he said.

Mr Dantsoho added that the ranking reinforced Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s leading trade hub.

(NAN)