Lagos: The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports have been ranked among the world’s top 20 most improved ports, describing the development as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday, while reacting to the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
Dantsoho said the recognition marks the first time Nigerian ports have featured in the “most improved” category of the global ranking, which assesses efficiency and operational performance across major seaports.
He explained that the CPPI evaluates ports based on vessel turnaround time, measuring how long ships spend from arrival to departure.
“The CPPI provides data-driven assessments of port performance based on vessel time spent from arrival to departure,” he said.
According to him, the 2025 report placed both Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports among global leaders in performance improvement, reflecting significant operational reforms undertaken in recent years.
Dantsoho attributed the achievement to ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, including digitisation, automation, and the reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks in cargo clearance processes.
“For years, Apapa and Tin Can suffered reputational damage from congestion, truck gridlock and manual cargo clearance,” he said.
He noted that these challenges previously increased logistics costs and encouraged some shipping lines to divert cargo to neighbouring countries.
He said the latest ranking reflects a turnaround driven by improved efficiency and port modernisation efforts.
“Faster vessel turnaround reduces logistics costs, speeds up cargo delivery and restores confidence among shipping operators,” he added.
Dantsoho further stated that improved port operations have contributed positively to Nigeria’s broader economic performance since 2024, citing recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showing a ₦7.54 trillion trade surplus.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying they have supported investment in port infrastructure and enhanced trade facilitation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for driving reforms in the sector.
“With supportive policies and ministerial backing, we can further enhance trade facilitation and strengthen the economy,” he said.
The NPA boss said the recognition would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and reinforce the country’s position as a key trade hub in West Africa.
He, however, stressed the need to sustain ongoing reforms to achieve even higher global rankings in the future.
“Our goal is to move from being among the most improved to becoming one of the most efficient ports in the world,” he said.