The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,
, has stated that the ongoing $1 billion reconstruction of the Tin Can Island Port Complex and the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar Port Complexes are key milestones in the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.

According to the NPA, these projects aim to ensure infrastructural integrity, aligning Nigerian ports with the evolving demands of the global maritime ecosystem. The initiatives are complemented by the development of new ports and the promotion of green port infrastructure—efforts that have significantly boosted the nation’s maritime capacity and economic prospects.

It will be recalled that Dr Dantsoho recently led the NPA management in finalising an agreement for the $1 billion development of the Snake Island Port, to be situated on an 85-hectare site within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone.

The management added that the Snake Island Port project complements the development of the Badagry Deep Seaport, Ondo Deep Seaport, and Burutu Port—all at various stages of execution. These developments are supported by digital transformation measures such as the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window initiative, designed to enhance competitiveness and streamline port operations.

The NPA further stated:

“Beyond the commencement of actual works on the $1 billion ports reconstruction, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, with the steadfast support of the performance-driven Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has successfully repositioned the Authority for greater efficiency and impact.”

One of the standout achievements in 2024, the Authority noted, was a substantial increase in cargo throughput. Cargo traffic rose by 45.1%, jumping from 71,213,197 metric tonnes in 2023 to 103,336,863 metric tonnes in 2024. Lekki Port recorded the most dramatic growth, with a 2,160.8% surge in throughput. Onne Port followed with 9.4% growth, while Tin Can Island Port posted a 7.3% increase. Liquid bulk cargo accounted for 55.6% of the total cargo, with containerised cargo making up 20.9%.

Ship traffic also saw remarkable gains. The number of ship calls rose by 5.6%, increasing from 3,791 in 2023 to 4,005 in 2024. More notably, Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) rose by 15.4%, from 123,660,278 to 142,660,418 tonnes. Lekki Port again led this growth with a 477.6% rise in ship calls, while Onne Port saw a 5.8% increase.

Total container throughput witnessed a 9.7% boost, with 1,744,972 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) handled in 2024, compared to 1,591,194 TEUs in 2023. Laden containers grew by 12.2%, while export-laden containers experienced a significant 53.7% rise. Transhipment traffic surged by 136.5%, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in regional cargo redistribution.

Service boat operations were also on the rise, with a 49.6% increase in activity. The number of service boats handled rose from 8,956 in 2023 to 13,396 in 2024. The corresponding GRT for service boats soared by 129.3%, from 1,997,163 tonnes to 4,579,742 tonnes—reflecting improved offshore operations and support infrastructure.

Operational efficiency at Nigerian ports improved as well. The average vessel turnaround time dropped from 4.7 days to 4.6 days—a 1% improvement. Lekki Port again stood out, with an impressive turnaround time of just 2.5 days. Berth Occupancy Rate also improved, rising from 30.1% in 2023 to 33% in 2024, signalling better port utilisation.

The NPA emphasised that Dr Dantsoho’s reforms have contributed to Nigeria achieving a trade surplus of ₦5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, as reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). This surplus was largely driven by exports processed through the platforms of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The Authority also highlighted the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy to sell crude oil and other petroleum products in Naira. This strategy, in addition to saving billions in foreign exchange previously lost to imports, helped strengthen energy security, balance of trade, and job creation across the country.

Additionally, the NPA, under Dr Dantsoho, has activated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to generate revenue through Independent Power Production at ports, bunkering stations, utilisation of fallow lands for logistics, provision of fresh water, and ship repair and maintenance services.

Other reforms yielding positive results include port automation and the implementation of the electronic truck call-up system—key components in ensuring seamless logistics and efficiency in cargo movement.