NPA Unveils $1 Billion Port Overhaul as Cargo and Ship Traffic Surge Under Dantsoho’s Reforms
NPA begins $1bn port upgrade as cargo and ship traffic hit new highs across Nigeria.
Dantsoho’s reforms boost exports, improve port operations, and support blue economy plans.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), led by its Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has rolled out a massive $1 billion infrastructure overhaul targeting the Tincan Island Port Complex and comprehensive rehabilitation of key ports, including Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar. The NPA said the ambitious upgrade is part of a broader agenda to modernize the country’s maritime infrastructure to meet global standards.
This investment is designed to strengthen port infrastructure and ensure that Nigerian ports meet the evolving demands of international trade. It is also aligned with the government’s broader drive to position the maritime sector as a key pillar of Nigeria’s blue economy.
In addition to this, the NPA recently agreed to develop the Snake Island Port with an estimated cost of another $1 billion. The port, which will be located on an 85-hectare site within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, is part of a wave of strategic expansions. These include projects at Badagry, Ondo, and Burutu Deep Seaports and the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, all aimed at boosting port competitiveness.
With strong backing from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Dantsoho has been steering transformative reforms across Nigeria’s ports, leading to significant improvements in performance metrics.
One of the most striking achievements in 2024 was the dramatic 45.1% surge in cargo throughput, which increased from 71.2 million metric tons in 2023 to over 103.3 million metric tons. Lekki Port led this growth, recording an astonishing 2,160.8% rise in cargo volume. Other notable increases came from Onne Port (9.4%) and Tin Can Island Port (7.3%). Liquid bulk made up the largest portion at 55.6%, while containerized cargo contributed 20.9%.
Ship traffic also saw a marked improvement. The total number of ship calls rose by 5.6%, from 3,791 in 2023 to 4,005 in 2024. Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) climbed by 15.4%, increasing from 123.6 million to 142.6 million tons. Lekki Port again stood out, with a 477.6% jump in ship calls.
Container throughput also grew steadily, rising by 9.7% to 1.74 million TEUs in 2024. Export-laden containers witnessed an impressive 53.7% increase, while transshipment traffic more than doubled, growing by 136.5%. These numbers underscore the rising relevance of Nigerian ports in West Africa’s logistics landscape.
Operational efficiency also improved across the board. Vessel turnaround time reduced slightly from 4.7 to 4.6 days, with Lekki Port demonstrating the highest efficiency at 2.5 days. Berth occupancy rose from 30.1% to 33%, indicating better port utilization.
The number of service boats handled increased by nearly 50%, from 8,956 to 13,396, while their GRT more than doubled to 4.58 million tons, signaling enhanced offshore activity.
Dantsoho’s leadership has been widely credited for these gains. According to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in Q3 2024, largely attributed to increased exports via the ports.
Key policy changes, including the sale of crude oil and petroleum products in naira, have also helped conserve foreign exchange and strengthened Nigeria’s trade balance.
Meanwhile, the NPA is exploring revenue opportunities through public-private partnerships for independent power generation at ports, bunkering stations, ship repairs, and the commercial use of fallow lands.
Other reforms, such as port automation and the Electronic Call-Up system, have also started yielding positive results, reducing congestion and improving logistics flow.
With these strides, the NPA under Dr. Dantsoho is not just rebuilding ports, it is redefining Nigeria’s role in global trade.
