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Tag: Nigerian Ports Authority

  • Fed Govt bolsters national economy through NPA

    Fed Govt bolsters national economy through NPA

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) bolsters the national economy through record trade facilitation, infrastructural development, and key operational efficiencies.

    A fresh $60 million investment in green port initiatives by the President Bola Tinubu administration is set to transform the NPA’s operations, driving a renewed focus on local content development.

    Recent data from 2025 has shown an unprecedented growth, positioning Nigeria’s ports as crucial hubs for economic prosperity.

    Findings revealed that the NPA has significantly contributed to the  nation’s economy through various avenues. Sustained efficiencies have led to Nigeria’s international trade reaching N5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, resulting in a significant trade surplus. In Q3 2025, export-laden container volumes saw a substantial increase, and total cargo throughput rose by 16.2 per cent. The agency also made a notable contribution of N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly doubling the previous year’s remittance.

    The operationalisation of the Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) system is anticipated to attract a large number of vessels annually, further boosting revenue. Additionally, the NPA’s support in implementing the presidential mandate to trade petroleum in Naira has helped conserve the country’s foreign exchange reserves and enhance energy security.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    By integrating Nigeria into the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) and championing the National Single Window project, NPA has ushered in a new era of transparency. His visionary leadership was recently honored with the Award of Excellence for his role in modernizing maritime infrastructure.

    The NPA’s achievements in 2025, stakeholders said, are a clear indication  to the Federal Government focus on excellence and innovation through its agencies.

    These sustainability efforts are backed by record-breaking performance metrics.

    In the third quarter of 2025 alone, the Authority saw export-laden container volumes skyrocket by 1,085per cent, while total cargo throughput climbed by 16.2%, marking a stellar period of maritime growth.

    Container operations were a key driver of this growth, with total container traffic rising by 18.9% to 546,931 TEUs.

    Import-laden containers also witnessed an increase by 33.1per cent to 268,713 TEUs, while export-laden containers jumped to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs in Q3 2024.

    “The sharp rise in export containers also led to a 21.5per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling improved balance between imports and exports and stronger non-oil export activity,” according to operational data released by NPA in December.

    Ship traffic also saw significant growth, with vessel calls up by 8.4per cent to 1,074 ships and total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) rising by 18per cent to 42.64 million.

    Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the dominant growth driver, handling 46.8per cent of total cargo, followed by Onne Port with 17per cent. In terms of vessel size, Lekki Port received the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244.

    Attributing the strong performance to the Federal Government’s export-driven economic reforms and growing investor confidence, Dantsoho said: “The figures reflect improved operational efficiency across all pilotage districts,” he said.

  • Port shift: Operators, WACCIMA task NPA on decisive action

    Port shift: Operators, WACCIMA task NPA on decisive action

    Stakeholders in Delta State’s maritime and business community have called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to desist from perceived propaganda and move decisively to revive the long-neglected Warri and Koko ports, warning that continued inaction is costing both Delta State and Nigeria huge economic opportunities.

    The call was reinforced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Warri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WACCIMA), in Warri, even as operators at the ports painted a bleak picture of facilities that remained largely dormant despite recent NPA statements on decentralising port operations and shifting activities from the congested Lagos ports to Delta.

    For nearly two decades, general cargo vessels have deserted the Warri and Koko ports. A recent tour of the Delta Ports administrative headquarters in Warri, showed empty stacking areas, warehouses under lock and key with failing roofs, deserted Nigeria Customs Service offices and port agents idling away days, with no paperwork to process.

    “We just come to sit down every day, nothing is happening. For the past three weeks I have been in Warri, and we have not seen a single vessel… Apart from tanker vessels, you cannot see anything,” lamented port agent Maxwell Etoroma.

    Anger among stakeholders deepened following online claims that Warri Port had suddenly become “busy” after the NPA’s announcement.

    “All those are just propaganda. People called me from Abuja and Port Harcourt saying Warri port is booming. But there is nothing here,” Etoroma said.

    Sir Chidi Njoku, leader of the NPA Daily Berthing Meeting Committee in Warri, accused authorities of repeatedly announcing dredging and revitalisation projects without results.

    “It may surprise you to know that some months ago they said they dredged that place (Escravos bar), and within months the same issue started again. Billions of naira gone… The only vessels we get are tankers carrying PMS. The real vessels that will affect the masses are not there,” Njoku told The Nation.

    At Koko Port, activity is even thinner. “The only vessel that comes there is a small export vessel that takes 400 to 500 metric tons. It comes once in a month or two months, and it is exported,” Njoku explained, dismissing claims that the port is busy as misleading.

    Despite the grim reality, stakeholders insist the Delta ports are naturally suited for heavy commercial activity, imploring the NPA led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, to follow through with the plans.

    “Warri and Koko have the best natural ports in this country. This is the safest port. We are ready to work. Most agents here have 40 to 50 years of experience,” Etoroma said.

    The Delta State Government says the revival of its ports is not a parochial demand, but a national economic need that will benefit Nigerians and boost federal revenue.

    Speaking exclusively on the NPA’s planned focus on Delta ports, the Commissioner for Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stressed that development must begin in earnest, citing Delta’s contributions to the national treasury.

    “Delta state Government, when it is brought back to life, will to a very large extent boost the economy of the state and that of the country. Not only because we desire it, but it is the right thing to do.

    “Our contributions in terms of the resources of the federation today is number one. They say to whom much is given, much is expected. We do believe we are contributing so much to the federal purse and that if the federal government is also able to come back to revive the Warri Port which is a port that before now was very active, it is something that is good for the federation, so it is not only in our self-interest,” Aniagwu.

    “We are urging and pleading with the federal government to expedite action, they have indicated that they are going to make it work and we appreciate them for that,” he said, adding that political alignment had made engagement easier.

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    On reported opposition to the proposed decentralisation, Aniagwu declared: “If there is any other person kicking against it, then the person doesn’t wish Nigeria well. Because the Warri Port is not only to serve the people in Warri or Delta, it is to serve Nigerians, just like Lagos ports are serving Nigerians… It will increase business, it will boost our economy, it will make the Federal Government to even have more money.”

    He highlighted improved road links under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that clearing goods in Warri would ease access to the Southeast, cut transport costs and reduce demurrage.

    At the AGM, WACCIMA described the state of the ports as unacceptable as the President, Engr. Anthony Okoh, said the neglect of Delta ports had been a concern for over a decade and urged authorities to accelerate rehabilitation to unlock the Niger Delta’s economic potential.

    Chairman of WACCIMA’s Board of Trustees, Chief Moses Orogun, said reopening the ports remained the fastest way to revive Warri’s economy, stressing that business leaders must push policymakers because “the government alone cannot do it.”

    At the National Assembly, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, representing Warri Federal Constituency, has moved a motion urging full support for the decentralisation of port operations.

    “Decentralisation of Nigerian port operations is a national economic imperative, not a regional contest,” Ereyitomi said, adding that the policy would “reposition Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa.”

  • NPA to connect local producers with international markets

    NPA to connect local producers with international markets

    The Managing Director,  Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector through streamlined port operations and his desire to connect local producers in the non-oil value chain to international markets.

    Speaking during the NPA Special Day at the Kano International Trade Fair, Dantsoho praised the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) for sustaining the fair’s reputation as a global business hub.

    He said Kano’s strategic position as a major commercial centre linking Nigeria to the northern hinterland and neighbouring landlocked countries presents enormous trade and economic opportunities.

    According to him, Kano’s rich agro-allied potential aligns with the NPA’s drive to connect local producers to international markets, particularly within the non-oil value chain.

    Dantsoho highlighted several reforms introduced by the Authority to enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness, including the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) designed as one-stop facilities for consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification and onward movement of export goods to the ports.

    He explained that the EPTs, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other partners, aim to eliminate bottlenecks that previously hindered the seamless export of Nigerian products by reducing duplication and bureaucratic delays.

    Read Also: NPA’s oversight stabilises Lagos export corridor

    The NPA boss also announced ongoing efforts to eliminate human interface in port processes by fully automating operations through the Ports Community System (PCS), a precursor to the National Single Window (NSW). The NSW, he noted, represents global best practice for integrating all stakeholders in the trade value chain on a single digital platform.

    Dantsoho said the reforms reflect the Authority’s resolve to link value creators in the remotest parts of Nigeria to global markets with minimal friction.

    He urged traders and investors participating in the fair to engage with the NPA’s business development team at the agency’s pavilion and explore the opportunities available through its real-time digital platforms.

    “To empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in line with the theme of this year’s fair, we are aggressively simplifying export procedures to ensure made-in-Nigeria goods move through our ports as smoothly as possible. Our doors are always open for partnerships beyond this fair,” he said.

  • NPA’s oversight stabilises Lagos export corridor

    NPA’s oversight stabilises Lagos export corridor

    Export traffic into the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) is witnessing renewed stability as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) implements round-the-clock oversight to counter disruptions caused by ongoing repair works on the Marine Bridge.

    The Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) said the intervention has prevented what could have escalated into a major supply chain crisis for exporters.

    The Marine Bridge rehabilitation being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works—recently triggered heavy gridlock along the Ijora–Apapa access roads, trapping both import and export trucks for hours. With the corridor serving as one of the country’s most critical links for non-oil exports, operators feared prolonged delays would result in missed vessel schedules, increased demurrage and shrinking export margins.

    LASTCOC Chairman, Shittu Lukmon, said these concerns were quickly stemmed by the NPA’s decision to maintain a 24-hour command presence along the port corridor.

    According to him, the continuous engagement of the Apapa Port Manager and his team has restored order to truck movements and eased pressure at the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) where export-bound cargoes are received.

    “The daily 24-hour engagement of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) leadership has significantly enhanced traffic conditions on port access roads,” Lukmon said.

    He added that the consistency of the intervention has ensured that “despite the ongoing repair works, NPA management has consistently ensured the seamless movement of inward and outward vehicles along the Apapa corridor.”

    This steady control, Lukmon said, has improved truck turnaround time and reduced queue spillovers—two chronic issues that often raise logistics costs for manufacturers and agro-exporters. Operators say the improved traffic flow has also prevented congestion from spilling into the EPTs, safeguarding cargo processing cycles that depend on predictable truck arrivals.

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    Lukmon noted that the Apapa Port Manager’s hands-on approach has been central to the progress recorded. He said the trucking community has observed a level of dedication not previously seen from port leadership.

    “This is commendable work from the Apapa Port Manager. I have never seen a port manager like him. I’ve seen him at the port on Saturdays and Sundays, making sure the entire system runs seamlessly,” he said.

    Industry players further acknowledge that the increased physical presence of port leadership has brought improved discipline among truck drivers and terminal operators—reducing disorderly driving practices that typically aggravate congestion during infrastructure repairs.

    With the Marine Bridge rehabilitation still ongoing, stakeholders say NPA’s sustained oversight is critical to preserving the efficiency of Lagos’ export logistics ecosystem. Many exporters have welcomed the proactive management style, noting that it helps protect Nigeria’s revenue prospects at a time when the country is pushing aggressively to grow non-oil exports.

    For now, LASTCOC is calling for continuous collaboration between the NPA, trucking unions, and terminal operators to ensure that the gains are not eroded as construction works progress.

  • Ships loaded with petrol, food, others arrive Lagos ports

    Ships loaded with petrol, food, others arrive Lagos ports

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday said that 20 ships at the Lagos ports were discharging petroleum products and food items at Apapa, Tincan and Lekki Ports.

    The NPA made this known in its publication, `Shipping Position’, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    It listed the contents of the ship as frozen fish, petrol, general cargo, containers, bulk sugar, buckwheat, bulk fertilizer, bulk urea, bulk gas and bulk gypsum.

    The authority said that two other ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk wheat and containers.

    Read Also: Taming Lagos ports gridlock with technology

    According to the NPA, 20 other ships with petroleum products, food items and other goods, are being expected at the Lagos ports complex, from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14.

    It said that the ships contained general cargo, buckwheat, bulk sugar, base oil, aviation fuel, diesel, gas oil, bulk urea, containers and petrol.

    (NAN)

  • NPA seeks regional integration to optimise ports operations

    NPA seeks regional integration to optimise ports operations

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for regional integration and cooperation among the littoral and island states in the West and Central Africa to address the challenges in port operations, trade facilitation and eliminate trade barriers to fully unlock maritime endowment of the q for collective economic prosperity.

     Its Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, who is also the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), made the call yesterday, at the on-going 45th Annual Council Meeting and 20th Roundtable of Managing Directors in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

    PMAWCA and other stakeholders at the event,

    he said, were duty-bound by posterity to unite, harness and deploy regional resources towards solving the issues that are militating against socio-economic progress of the region.

    The event had as theme: ‘Reinventing Port Zones Management: Towards Sustainable and Resilient Valorization of Port Infrastructure, tackling Economic and Environmental Challenges’ was declared open by the Prime Minister and Head of the government of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, and brought together more than 350 delegates and experts across the continent of Africa and beyond.

    In his speech, Dantsoho commended PMWCA for continually serving as a multilateral organ for regional cooperation amongst ports in West and Central Africa.

    He pointed out that one of the resources that the governments and people of the region can proudly speak about as a bloc is the ‘maritime endowment,’ Dantsoho however, bemoaned a situation where lack of resilient infrastructure is eroding growth, competitiveness of ports in the region and leading to significant economic losses, hampered development, and increased vulnerability for communities.

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    Infrastructure, he said, “is undoubtedly, an area in which port operations in Africa needs a lot of intervention through cooperation.”

    To achieve the overarching objective of deploying blue economy endowments for the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of the people of the region, he pointed out that his “administration is specifically interested in the pivotal themes of Climate and Energy, Data Collaboration as well as Risk and Resilience.”

    He, therefore, called for concerted efforts towards the formulation and implementation of good and robust policies for the optimum utilisation of waters for the growth of the economies expedient of the region.

    The Managing Director, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications of the Authority, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara urged port operators and stakeholders in the maritime industry across the region, to translate their marine comparative advantages into opportunities for the collective prosperity of their respective countries and their people.

    The call, Dantsoho said, became necessary because countries in the West and Central African region, “have a shared destiny and are largely connected by the same developmental challenges as well as a robust human capital base and natural resource endowments, he therefore, said, people in the region “are duty-bound by posterity to unite and deploy our resources towards solving those issues that militate against our socio-economic progress.”

    To achieve the overarching objective of deploying the regional blue economy endowments for the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of the people, Dantsoho said, “my administration is especially interested in the pivotal themes of Climate and Energy, Data Collaboration as well as Risk and Resilience.”

    Through our relevant technical committees and panel sessions, he said, “ we will continue to advance meaningful dialogue and action steps on Climate Action, Digitalization, Environmental Performance, Business Continuity and Crisis Management.

    At the recently concluded World Port Conference 2025 in Kobe- Japan, Dantsoho said, PMAWCA, “made a commitment to deploy the three-pronged approach of Policy Implementation, Renewed Collaboration and Cooperation and Trade Facilitation to galvanise national and regional efforts towards institutionalizing necessary efficiencies and intra and inter-regional cooperation to eliminate barriers to trade and prosperity.

    “We intend to fulfil every letter of this commitment, and I want to seize this occasion to graciously solicit the goodwill and support of everyone seated here towards its actualisation.

    Although, the PMAWCA President recognised that countries in the region have physical national boundaries that separated them, but the waters, he said, “ are a natural source of connectivity and they seem like a subtle providential message that we must work together for the good of all our countries.

    “Our theme for this year’s council “Reinventing Port Zones Management: Towards Sustainable and Resilient Valorization of Port Infrastructure, tackling Economic and Environmental Challenges” was advisedly chosen to reinforce our determination to harmoniously work together in seeking sustainable solutions to the challenges that port operations face on the continent.

    “After the issues of adequate security and transparency, the one other important factor deciding the growth, competitiveness and future-readiness of Ports is resilient infrastructure.

    This, according to him, is undoubtedly, “an area in which port operations in Africa needs a lot of intervention through cooperation.

    “I want to implore everyone of us as participants in this noble meeting to see yourselves as people opportune to stand in positions of responsibility on behalf of Africa.

    “ I say this because the maritime sector wherein you are fortunate to be active stakeholders is not only central to the facilitation of trade, but to the total integration of Africa for even development.

    The PMAWCA President gave kudos to the Government and good people of the Republic of Congo and its frontline agency, the Port Authority of Pointe-Noire for accepting to host the regional meeting especially at this time he said, “when regional integration is most crucial to our attainment of collective economic prosperity as a sub-region.”

    He also commended stakeholders from West and Central Africa, Institutional Partners and International observers for attended the “important meeting of minds.

    “I commend my partners at the PMAWCA Secretariat for sustaining the annual event of cross fertilization of ideas and knowledge sharing for mutual development of our respective countries and the advancement of global trade,” Dantsoho said.

    Other speakers at the conference include the Mayor of Pointe -Noire Republic of Congo,

     Evelynne TchitChelle, and the Director-General Autonomous Port of Pointe -Noire Republic of Congo, Bhalat Seraphin among others.

  • NPA bags award from PAC committees at conference on fiscal governance 

    NPA bags award from PAC committees at conference on fiscal governance 

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been honoured by the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives for its unwavering commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and audit compliance.

    The special recognition was conferred during the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance held in Abuja a high-level forum that convened lawmakers, anti-graft agencies, civil society groups, and public finance experts to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal architecture.

    In their remarks, the leadership of the two Committees praised the NPA for maintaining high standards of financial reporting and for demonstrating consistent support for public accountability processes.

    READ ALSO; Fed govt to conduct nationwide audit of skills centres

     They described the award as a symbol of institutional integrity, noting that the NPA stood out for its proactive audit compliance and strategic backing of the conference.

    “The Authority’s contributions were pivotal in making this policy dialogue a reality,” the Committees noted, adding that the NPA’s transparency efforts have become a benchmark in the public sector.

    The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantosho, received the award on behalf of the agency, affirming its commitment to deepening reforms and entrenching openness in its operations.

    He was represented by the Executive Director Finance and Adminstration, Vivian Richard Edet, who received the award on behalf of the Authority.

  • NPA, Dangote to boost maritime industry growth, expand export operations

    NPA, Dangote to boost maritime industry growth, expand export operations

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) have announced plans to collaborate in advancing Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, with a focus on expanding the country’s export operations.

    During a courtesy visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos, President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between DIL and the NPA, describing his company as the authority’s largest customer.

    “We are here to thank the NPA for doing a great job. As we speak, we are the biggest or largest customer of NPA,” Dangote stated. “This kind of interaction is crucial for the growth of the industry. We discussed several key issues, including how to deepen Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy. We have agreed to work together for the benefit of the country.”

    Dangote highlighted the scale of the company’s operations, particularly at the Lekki facility, where he said over 240 crude oil vessels—each carrying one million barrels—are expected to operate annually. Additionally, the group’s refined products will require more than 600 vessel movements per year.

    He also noted that Dangote’s fertiliser operations would involve the loading of nearly eight ships annually, describing the scale as “an operation that has never been seen in the country.”

    “So, it’s a major challenge. But with the leadership of the NPA, we are very, very comfortable that they’ll be able to deliver.

    “Our operations will sink if NPA doesn’t give us the services we will need for our operations. So, the NPA will need a lot of support from the Federal Government because they won’t be able to do these things on their own. They need equipment. They need more tugboats.

    “We will also be putting in a few words in the necessary quarters to make sure that NPA gets all the necessary assistance from the Federal Government.”

    In the area of export, Aliko Dangote explained that efforts are on to expand export products outside Nigeria.

    “We will soon be massively expanding our export operations. For some of you who have been to our Cement factory in Itori, we’re already exporting cement out of Nigeria. We have a whole factory of six million tons for cement export.

    In the next couple of weeks, he said, “We will start exporting coal out of Nigeria. Our fertiliser export will be almost like eight cargoes. The refinery operations will not export less than 25 million tons of various products. We will also be exporting about 600,000 to 700,000 metric tons of polypropylene. So when you are talking about export, we are going to be very big.

    “In the next two years, we will be exporting about 16,000 tons of fertiliser. When you talk about 16,000 tons of fertiliser, it’s about $6.5 million to $7 million revenue that will be coming into the country daily.

    “With our export programme, our company will be the major supplier of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria.

    “So the operations of Nigerian ports will double in the next one or two years.”

    In his own remark, the NPA Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho explained that Aliko Dangote has come to the Authority to show appreciation for the dividends of the Naira for Crude sale policy of the Federal Government.

    He said, “Alhaji Aliko Dangote is here to show appreciation, especially regarding the establishment of the One Stop Shop policy on Naira for Crude deal, which is being coordinated by the Nigerian Port Authority.

    “He’s here to appreciate that the initiative has contributed immensely to achieving a lot of efficiency in the area of transactions and operations between Nigerian government agencies.

    “This is something that started on the 1st of October last year, 2024, and so far, we have treated or operated over 57 vessels every month. The projected volume that Dangote was looking at per annum was 600 vessels. If you do 56, 57 vessels into 12 months, you will see that we are already doing bigger than what they projected. We will continue to do our best with support from the government.

    “If all agencies of government can collaborate and be on the same dashboard, then efficiencies in other sectors of the economy will also be witnessed.

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    “We’re happy that the government has approved the National Single Window. We’re also happy that as of today, we are 95 percent ready for the Port Community System.”

    On development of new ports, Dantsoho stated that, “There are two ways you can handle capacity improvement/expansion or deepen port capacity. You can do it on a brownfield, which is, you renovate or rehabilitate existing ports; or on a greenfield, which is to build new ports.

    “The last time the government built a new port in Nigeria was 1977, which was Tin-Can Island Port. There is already an approval for the port modernisation of both Tin-Can and Apapa ports. We are hopefully looking at maybe the third quarter of this year to commence construction. That is on the brownfield.

    “On the greenfield part, like I said earlier, we have deep-seaport development projects that have already been approved by the Federal Executive Council. We have Ibom Port, we have Bakasi, we have Olokola, we have Ondo Port, we have Badagry in Lagos.

    “These are new ports that the government is concerned about. Very soon we’ll begin to see that these ports will become reality,” Dantsoho declared.

  • Why Nigeria must deepen port reform gains, by experts

    Why Nigeria must deepen port reform gains, by experts

    Maritime experts have cautioned that Nigeria must urgently consolidate its recent port reforms or risk losing its strategic trade advantage to neighboring West African countries.

    Speaking at an industry dialogue organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), stakeholders acknowledged progress made by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) but stressed the need to sustain and deepen the momentum.

    The forum brought together key industry players, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), and the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa.

    Discussions focused on boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness through digital innovation, regulatory streamlining, and enhanced hinterland infrastructure.

    Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, warned that failure to build on the reforms could see Nigeria cede its leadership position in regional trade to more proactive neighbours.

    He said: “Significant efforts have been made, and it’s time to ensure that these gains are not lost to uncoordinated charges or outdated processes. 

    “Trade diversion to neighbouring ports can be curbed if Nigeria’s ports remain attractive in terms of cost and efficiency.”

    He further stressed the critical importance of connecting ports to inland transport networks. 

    “Ports are only as strong as their links to inland logistics. NPA’s ongoing collaboration with other government agencies on multimodal transport must be sustained,” Umoren added, calling for urgent investment in roads and rail infrastructure to reduce port congestion and delays.

    The call came amid ongoing initiatives by the NPA to automate port operations and enhance infrastructure across terminals, particularly with new developments like the Lekki Deep Sea Port already showcasing the possibilities of modernisation.

    ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji commended recent reforms but highlighted lingering challenges affecting port users. 

    “There’s a collective recognition that the port ecosystem is improving, but certain operational issues still drive up cost and dwell time. By streamlining overlapping charges and harmonising processes, we can reduce the burden on importers and exporters,” he said.

    Similarly, NAGAFF President, Tochukwu Ezisi, represented by Secretary Emeka Nwosu, reiterated the importance of sustaining reforms through stakeholder coordination. 

    “We are not unaware of the efforts being made, especially in terms of automation and new port developments. However, more coordination among agencies and stakeholders will help speed up the process and reduce delays,” Ezisi stated.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmola, whose message was delivered by maritime lawyer, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), emphasised the importance of full-scale digital transformation to align Nigerian ports with global benchmarks.

    “NPA’s digital drive, such as the push for a Port Community System, is a welcomed move. The faster we implement it fully, the sooner we can enjoy streamlined operations across the board,” Sunmola stated.

    Drawing parallels with world-class ports in Singapore and Rotterdam, Sunmola noted, “Technology has transformed port efficiency worldwide. Nigeria is on that path, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port is already showing signs of what is possible when we embrace innovation.”

    He recommended fast-tracking the deployment of the National Single Window, leveraging artificial intelligence for berth and cargo tracking, and expanding public-private partnerships. 

    “Shared innovation between government and the private sector has been the foundation of successful port reforms globally,” he noted.

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    LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, tied the conversation to the country’s broader trade ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

    “Nigeria’s ports are key to our regional trade ambitions. With stronger infrastructure and regulatory coherence, we can attract more investment and cut logistics costs for businesses,” he said.

    Idahosa pointed to the financial impact of inefficiencies in the nation’s ports, estimating losses to businesses at N2.5 trillion annually due to congestion and bureaucratic delays. 

    “Stakeholders must continue working with agencies like the NPA to ensure ongoing initiatives deliver measurable results,” he added.

    As West and Central Africa’s maritime landscape grows increasingly competitive, the message from the forum was clear: Nigeria’s port reform gains must be protected, deepened, and accelerated if the country hopes to become a logistics hub for the region.

  • NPA director hails Tinubu over appointment of Osun APC chair, Lawal, as board chairman

    NPA director hails Tinubu over appointment of Osun APC chair, Lawal, as board chairman

    The Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing the Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tajudeen Lawal, as the Governing Board Chairman of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Badmus, in a statement he personally signed, also congratulated Lawal on the national assignment, expressing confidence that his experience and dedication will ensure effective delivery in his new role.

    He further lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for his continued efforts in mobilizing and positioning party members for national responsibilities.

    According to Badmus, the appointment of Lawal is a testament to his capacity and a reflection of the trust reposed in him by the president.

    Read Also: NPA director lauds Oyetola over appointment of Aragbiji, 21 others

    “The appointment is well deserved as our chairman always demonstrates capacity to deliver any assignment placed in his hands. With this fresh appointment, I am sure that he will ensure delivery of Renewed Hope Agenda at the institution.

    “Our chairman is practically oriented and with this approach to the new assignment, he will advance the ranking of the institution among tertiary schools in Nigeria.”