By Foster Obi

Picture: Dr Abubakar Dantsoho

With a string of national honours, global recognitions, and visible reforms across Nigeria’s port system, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, is rapidly emerging as the poster boy of the country’s maritime resurgence. His leadership, marked by aggressive digitalisation, infrastructure upgrades, and a revival of long-neglected Eastern Ports, has repositioned the NPA as Nigeria’s most visibly transformed agency in recent years.

Over the last year, Dantsoho has become the most decorated public-sector CEO in the maritime domain, earning awards from respected national and global bodies. These include the NEAPS Award for Outstanding Public Sector Efficiency, international recognition from the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), a commendation from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for driving port-process reforms, and a regional excellence award from the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

Both the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha, and the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have also decorated him in public ceremonies, citing his leadership as a model for the administration’s reform agenda.

Industry stakeholders say these awards are not ceremonial but reflect measurable improvements in port performance, transparency, and technological adoption.

A cornerstone of Dantsoho’s tenure is the ongoing Port Modernisation Programme, widely regarded as the biggest coordinated upgrade of Nigeria’s port infrastructure in two decades. The programme has advanced critical rehabilitation of aged quay walls, expansion of berthing capacity, automation of terminal operations, modern security systems, and improved navigational infrastructure. These interventions, officials say, are already contributing to reduced vessel waiting times, improved cargo handling, and renewed investor confidence.

Parallel to the physical upgrades, the NPA under Dantsoho has mounted one of the strongest digitalisation drives in the agency’s history. This includes the rollout of the Port Community System (PCS), designed to integrate all port stakeholders on a single digital interface for real-time processing; collaboration on the National Single Window, which harmonises cargo clearance procedures; and the strengthening of the ETO electronic truck-call-up system, credited with reducing congestion and extortion around Apapa and Tin-Can port corridors. The call-up system is currently being replicated at Onne to ease traffic.

Stakeholders say these digital reforms have not only enhanced port efficiency but also curtailed manual bottlenecks long associated with corruption and delays.

One of Dantsoho’s most widely praised achievements is the revival of the Eastern Ports. For years, ports in Rivers, Onne, Calabar, and Warri suffered declining traffic due to poor infrastructure, insecurity, and shallow channels. Dantsoho’s administration, however, has driven targeted investments in dredging, channel management, security enhancement, and stakeholder engagement.

As a result, Rivers Port is seeing its highest vessel calls in years, Onne has consolidated its position as the nation’s leading oil and gas logistics hub, Calabar is recording gradual activity revival, and Warri is regaining relevance.

Maritime analysts say this shift is easing the historical over-dependence on Lagos ports and unlocking regional economic opportunities, while also repositioning Nigeria’s influence in the global shipping map.

Beyond physical and digital reforms, Dantsoho has also overseen internal restructuring at the NPA, including transparent procurement processes, merit-driven leadership appointments, stronger collaboration with Customs, terminal operators, and shipping companies, and improved relations with the Maritime Workers Union. Staff morale, according to agency insiders, has risen significantly, supported by clearer performance metrics and better welfare initiatives.

Across the industry, the consensus is that the NPA has regained its footing and direction. With multiple national and international recognitions, visible infrastructure renewal, and technological reforms gaining traction, Dantsoho has emerged not only as a standout administrator but also as a symbol of what committed leadership can deliver in the public sector.

For many observers, the awards from NEAPS, IAPH, PEBEC, MOWCA, and the Presidential Villa simply underscore one reality: under Abubakar Dantsoho, Nigeria’s ports are being rebuilt, modernised, and repositioned for global competitiveness.

By Foster Obi

As the year gradually draws to a close, it is good to note that despite Nigeria securing a seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C and announcing several reforms in 2025, the country’s maritime sector continues to battle congestion, corruption, and underperformance. Analysts warn that while security and regulatory initiatives show promise, systemic inefficiencies across ports, Customs, shipping companies, and terminal operators are still costing the nation billions of dollars annually.
Nigeria’s maritime industry in 2025 stands at a crossroads. The creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has brought renewed focus, while the Deep Blue maritime security project has improved coastal safety and international confidence. Nigeria’s victory in securing a Category C seat at the IMO Council positions the country as a stakeholder in global maritime governance.
Yet, ports remain congested, customs clearance is slow and costly, and terminal operators continue to impose arbitrary charges. Indigenous shipping companies still struggle to access finance, despite new guidelines for the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). The absence of a national shipping line continues to undermine trade competitiveness.
How the Ministry/Agencies Stand:

MINISTRY OF MARINE & BLUE ECONOMY
Performance: The Ministry launched national policy engagement, convened international forums.
Non-performance: Slow delivery of actionable plans; poor coordination with agencies.
Recommendations:Publish a 12-month operational plan with KPIs; quarterly progress reports.
2026 Projection: Coordinated PPPs and policy-driven initiatives if reforms are implemented.

NIGERIA PORTS AUTHORITY (NPA)
Performance: Incremental infrastructure works and digitization pilots. A strong reform drive with port modernization, ETO traffic management, the national single window, and new export-processing terminals repositioning Nigerian ports for efficiency, competitiveness, and foreign investment. Efforts to reposition eastern ports are hailed by analysts. National Single Window, a “game-changer” expected to reduce human interference and strengthen cargo clearance efficiency.
Non-performance: Terminal congestion persists; port-community integration is weak.
Recommendations: Fast-track a unified Port Community System (PCS); improve port access corridors.
2026 Projection: Partial PCS rollout could reduce dwell times by 10–20%.

NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
Performance: The Deep Blue project improved maritime security; CVFF operationalisation.
Non-performance: Weak enforcement of Cabotage; slow ship registry growth.
Recommendations: Publish transparent CVFF disbursement schedule; incentivize Nigerian-flagged vessels.
2026 Projection: First indigenous vessels may be financed if CVFF works effectively.

NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE (NCS)

Performance: Revenue targets exceeded; scanners partially deployed.
Non-performance: Systemic extortion, multiple checkpoints, discretionary valuations, and slow clearance remain major bottlenecks.
Recommendations: Moratorium on informal checkpoints; enforce scanner-first, risk-based clearance; create a fast lane for compliant agents.
2026 Projection: Clearance times can improve significantly if reforms are enforced.

NIGERIAN INLAND  WATERWAYS AUTHORITY (NIWA)
Performance: Mapping of waterways; private-sector engagement initiatives.
Non-performance: Uncoordinated dredging; safety enforcement is weak.
Recommendations: National inland waterways masterplan; PPP pilot river terminals.
2026 Projection: Modest modal shift for freight corridors if pilots succeed.

NIGERIA SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL (NSC)
Performance: Advocacy, complaint handling, watchdog role.
Non-performance: Limited enforcement power; slow dispute resolution.
Recommendations: Cap terminal surcharges; online tariff dispute forum.
2026 Projection: Improved transparency; reduced arbitrary charges if empowered.

SHIPPING COMPANIES

Performance: Reliable liner connectivity.
Non-performance: Arbitrary surcharges, weak local content compliance; extortion collusion allegations.
Recommendations: Enforce transparent tariffs; link terminal access to compliance scores.
2026 Projection: Costs may reduce if regulators generate the needed muscle to enforce transparency and compliance.

TERMINAL OPERATORS
Performance: Investment in equipment and partial automation.
Non-performance: High storage charges; manipulation of delivery orders; underinvestment in hinterland capacity. No corporate social responsibility(CSR). Zero-sum game. Winner takes all mentality.
Recommendations: Standardise Terminal Delivery Orders(TDO) processes; tie concession renewal to performance KPIs. Enforce CSR operations or give back to the country of operations.
2026 Projection: Terminals adopting transparency are likely to gain market share.

FREIGHT FORWARDERS/AGENTS

Performance: Facilitation role and advocacy.
Non-performance: Fragmentation; occasional corruption; presence of unlicensed operators.
Recommendations: Strengthen licensing; mandatory professional certification.
2026 Projection: Professionalisation can reduce clearance delays and corruption.

MARITIME WORKERS UNION (MWUN)
Performance: Defends workforce rights; reduced informal labour practices. Smooth leadership transition.
Non-performance: Strikes and resistance to automation.
Recommendations: Sectoral automation roadmap with reskilling fund and incentives.
2026 Projection: Labour–management accords possible if the transition fund is implemented.

ACROSS-BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS:
Launch one-data portal: quarterly national maritime KPIs (dwell time, registry tonnage, CVFF progress).
Fastrack Single Window operations.
Enforce PCS and CVFF transparency.
Use the IMO Category C seat to attract technical support and capacity-building
ng programs.
Aggressively combat illegal checkpoints and extortion in port corridors.

By Foster Obi

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says the maritime industry is experiencing its strongest reform drive in decades, with port modernization, ETO traffic management, the national single window, and new export-processing terminals repositioning Nigerian ports for efficiency, competitiveness, and foreign investment.

Speaking in Lagos, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority’s transformation is already visible across operations, infrastructure, and staff welfare, adding that stakeholders should expect “fresh air in 2026.”

Onyemekara dismissed suggestions that the NPA is still “planning” multimodalism, insisting it is already an existing operational framework.

“Every port system we operate works on the platform of multimodalism. The roads are better, waterways and barge operations are active, and consignees have multiple options to move cargo,” he said.

Responding to concerns from barge operators who claim their business is declining, he stated that cargo movement is an open market.

“Our responsibility is to provide infrastructure. Operators need to make their mode of transport attractive. Consignees choose what works best for them,” he added.

The NPA spokesperson described 2025 as one of the most transformative years in the authority’s recent history, crediting the Managing Director, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and President Bola Tinubu for “bold policies unseen in many years.”

He listed port modernization as the biggest milestone. “The shipping world has changed. Bigger vessels with modern technology are coming. To attract them, our ports must be modernized. This government was bold enough to take that step,” he said.

He also highlighted the National Single Window, describing it as a “game-changer” that will reduce human interference and strengthen cargo clearance efficiency.

Looking ahead, Onyemekara predicted stronger performance in exports, tied to new Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) and efficiency reforms initiated by NPA management.

“Export figures are rising daily because of operational efficiency. In 2026, Nigeria will breathe fresh air in the maritime industry,” he assured.

On the NPA Managing Director’s recent international appointment, he said the honour will deepen investor confidence. “It brings greater respect from the international community. Foreign investors want to see signs that they will get returns on investment, and this government has created the right environment,” he said.

On the rising activity in Eastern ports, Onyemekara said better infrastructure and improved security now give consignees confidence to route cargo outside Lagos.

“In the past, people were unsure of infrastructure and security in those regions. Today, government investments have fixed that. Consignees now have the freedom to send cargo anywhere,” he said.

He described the successful rollout of the ETO electronic traffic call-up system as one of NPA’s most impactful innovations.

“Before ETO, businesses collapsed in Apapa and residents moved out. Sanity has returned. We replicated the same in Onne to avoid a repeat of past problems,” he said.

On staff welfare, Onyemekara said the workforce is more motivated than in previous years, citing rapid promotions, training, and better retirement processes. “Promotions that were stagnated for years have been cleared. Our officers are internationally trained, consistently trained, and celebrated anywhere in the world,” he noted.

He praised the synergy with the Nigerian Customs Service and agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

“We have a minister who believes in teamwork. Sitting, planning, and working together has removed barriers and strengthened collaboration,” he said.

Despite the progress, he said stakeholder impatience remains a major challenge.

“Some stakeholders want results immediately. We only ask for patience. We operate under authority and must get proper approvals to implement policies,” he concluded.

Picture: The book “50 Drivers of the Marine and Blue Economy’, smoking hot 

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) unveiled a landmark publication yesterday, celebrating individuals and institutions that shape the country’s maritime and blue economy landscape.

The new book, titled “Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy,” was launched in Lagos on Thursday, marking a major milestone in documenting the nation’s maritime evolution. The event, themed “Driving the Blue Agenda: Recognizing Champions Steering Nigeria’s Marine Economy,” brought together industry stakeholders to honour innovators and reformers driving growth across the sector.

Chairman of the launch and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, described Nigeria’s maritime industry as a “vital component” of the national economy. He emphasized that, with proper harnessing, the sector has immense potential for economic growth and national development.

Ihenacho also acknowledged the foundational contributions of past and present maritime leaders, tracing the sector’s evolution from the establishment of the National Shipping Line in 1959 to the birth of NIMASA in 2007.

“The book launch theme is carefully chosen to spotlight the individuals, institutions, and innovations driving the country’s Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, who was represented by Assistant Director of Operations, Mrs. Juliana Saka, described the publication as a significant milestone. He applauded MARAN for demonstrating vision and professionalism by documenting the contributions of key players in the sector.

“The marine and blue economy offers vast opportunities requiring collaboration, innovation, data, and accountability. MARAN’s work strengthens public understanding, celebrates behind-the-scenes contributors, and elevates discourse shaping policy, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable maritime development.” Akutah said.

Also speaking, former NSC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello in his goodwill message, described the celebration as timely, given the sector’s over 60 years of steady progress. He noted that Nigeria’s maritime economy remains central to national growth.

“All generations must unite to support and preserve the sector, honour past contributors, and work together for continued success,” he said.

In her review of the publication, former SERVICOM General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Carol Ufere, said the book offers research-driven insights into ministries, agencies, industry leaders, reforms, and policy directions shaping Nigeria’s blue economy. She highlighted its focus on governance, innovation, digitalisation, security architecture, and institutional strengthening.

According to her, the chapters examine the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), NPA, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Railway Authority, and other critical institutions, while showcasing achievements, challenges, and reforms needed to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

Speaking earlier in his opening speech, MARAN’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, said the launch was organised to honour individuals and institutions whose service and vision have shaped Nigeria’s maritime trajectory. He noted that the publication not only documents their contributions but also reinforces ongoing efforts to advance the marine and blue economy.

Ayodele described the launch as a historic moment for the maritime media community and the broader sector, expressing appreciation to all who attended.

“Developed through extensive research, the book highlights outstanding leaders, private organisations, and agencies whose collective efforts drive reforms, innovation, and sectoral growth,” he said. “This first edition also recognises emerging talents and future contributors to the industry,” Ayodele said.

Picture: Former Interior Minister Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho unveils the book as MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman Tunde Ayodele in green and former ES Nigeria Shippers Council Barrister Hassan Bello in Blue watch.

By Foster Obi

The maritime community in Nigeria has erupted in a chorus of condemnation following a statement attributed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, decrying the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)’s efforts to deepen and operationalise ports in the South-South and South-East, including Warri Port Complex, Onne Port Complex and Calabar Port as part of broader plans to ease chronic congestion in Lagos.

The League of Maritime Editors (LOME), led by its President, Mrs Remi Itie, and Secretary-General, Mr Felix Kumuyi, described the governor’s remarks as “a demonstration of obsession with Lagos dominance” and a direct affront to the notion of equitable national development. As the League puts it: “Nigeria is a federation, not a fiefdom.”

Their critique underscores two decades of over-concentration in the port sector, mainly at the country’s two major Lagos ports, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port which have long borne the brunt of traffic congestion, corruption, inefficiency and incessant gridlock. According to LOME, efforts to bolster and diversify port operations across Nigeria are not only justified, they are imperative.

“To now resist the decentralisation of port operations to Warri, Onne or Calabar is to insist that Nigeria’s economy remain shackled to Lagos’ dysfunction,” the League argued.

The criticism from LOME aligns with growing frustration among shipping professionals and freight operators. It comes amid a flurry of remarks by Lagos officials rejecting NPA’s decision to shift focus from Lagos to other ports.

A senior aide to the governor, Adekoya Hassan, the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation and Logistics told reporters that the “problem lies not in Lagos ports themselves but in long-standing policy flaws within NPA.” He argued that reckless attempts to divert cargo to Warri amount to a “band-aid” that ignores the real sources of inefficiency: toll-points, a malfunctioning e-call-up system, favouritism, racketeering and abuse of power by senior officials.

According to Hassan, if NPA reformed its institutional framework and aligned with modern economic realities, congestion at Apapa could be drastically reduced, making the pivot to Warri unnecessary.

Yet, many maritime stakeholders vehemently disagree with the Lagos Government’s stance. Among them is the aide to the governor of Delta State, Ossai Success, who described the opposition to the shift as “disappointing.” He insisted the decision to revive Warri and by extension reduce reliance on Lagos is in the best interest of Nigeria, arguing it would spur regional economic development, reduce logistics costs for businesses, ease congestion in Lagos and improve security and surveillance across ports.

Meanwhile, the NPA itself and other proponents of maritime reform have pointed to concrete progress at previously moribund ports. In a recent working tour of the Delta ports, the NPA Chairman and board members disclosed ongoing investments in dredging, channel maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades at Warri, Onne and Calabar, with pledges to continue modernisation across the maritime sector.

These developments are seen not as “band-aids,” but as urgent corrective measures meant to rebalance port operations, relieve Lagos of unsustainable load, and provide the country with a resilient, multipolar maritime network.

Beyond institutional voices, several merchants, truckers and citizens, many of whom spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal dismissed the Lagos State Government’s claim to be the engine of national commerce.

An influential trucker at Apapa, who asked to remain unnamed, said: “We spend days waiting at every checkpoint, paying bribes, even when our call-up number shows green. If Warri or Onne are functioning properly, why should I continue suffering here?”

An Eastern-based importer noted: “When you have to bring cargo from abroad and it’s easier to discharge in Lagos, thousands of naira are wasted on transport, demurrage and extortion. A working port in Warri or Calabar means lower cost not just for me, but for every Nigerian buying imported goods.”

Patrick Ige, a Lagos resident living near the port corridor said the perennial gridlock had become a public safety and environmental hazard: “Trucks parked for hours, sometimes overnight. Noise. Pollution. Accidents. We’ve written to the State, but the only answer is more promises, not solutions.”

Viewed in the full context of Nigeria’s maritime and economic realities, the Lagos Government’s position now appears less like a defence of competence and more like a bid to preserve economic monopoly. Several factors underscore this critique:Persistent failure to resolve Apapa gridlock despite years of state-infrastructure investments and repeated assurances of improvement. Even as late as November 2025, the State still points to “policy flaws at NPA” as root causes.

Pointing to decentralization as a “distraction” or “band-aid,” while ignoring decades of centralised congestion, corruption, and inefficiency.

Ignoring regional equity, economic justice, and the potential for national integration, by resisting the development of other viable ports, especially in the South-South and South-East.

Pitting Lagos’ narrow local interest against Nigeria’s broader national good. In effect, Sanwo-Olu’s rhetoric betrays a dangerous vision where one state monopolises commerce and sidelines other regions, a notion incompatible with genuine federalism and balanced national growth.

Analysts posit that the efforts by the NPA to revive and deepen operations at Warri, Onne, Calabar, and other ports should not be viewed as a threat to Lagos but as a strategic necessity for the whole country. They believe that resistance from Lagos, cloaked in complaints about “policy flaws,” is increasingly revealed as resistance to reform.

Picture: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has concluded all arrangements for the public presentation of its authoritative new book, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy,” scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, by 12 noon.

The publication, produced after extensive sectoral research, chronicles the contributions of key personalities whose ideas, reforms, and interventions have significantly shaped Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy landscape in recent years.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of MARAN, Mr. Jayeolatunde Ayodele, said the book represents a bold step by the association to document and spotlight excellence within the industry.

“This publication is MARAN’s unbiased and carefully researched contribution to strengthening institutional memory within the maritime sector. At a time when Nigeria is repositioning its Marine and Blue Economy architecture, it has become critical to recognise individuals whose efforts have driven growth, reforms, and innovation,” Ayodele stated.

“Our goal is to provide a credible reference material that will guide policymakers, industry practitioners, researchers, and students. We believe this documentation will also inspire accountability and encourage a culture of service within the industry.”

Ayodele added that MARAN remains committed to its mandate of deepening industry reportage, promoting transparency, and providing intellectual resources that contribute to national development.

This Thursday’s event will feature notable personalities, including the former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil & Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who will serve as Chairman of the Occasion; Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ufere, former General Manager, SERVICOM, NPA, who will review the book; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Kenneth Jukpor, also expressed confidence that the event will further strengthen collaboration among maritime stakeholders and stimulate broader conversations around Nigeria’s blue economy opportunities.