It is official as the two of the nation’s seaports situated in Tin Can Island and Apapa are among the world’s top 20 most improved ports.
Apparently pleased with the development, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho attributed the feat to the ongoing reform and modernization drive championed by the Federal Government since the election of President Bola Tinubu.
He averred that the two ports which remains the busiest in the country have earned international recognition with the World Bank ranking them among the world’s top 20 most improved ports.
The recognition of the two ports in the country was sequel to a Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025 which was released in June 2026 by the World Bank.
The Bretton Wood institution listed both ports in the top 20 port improvement category, underscoring the remarkable gains recorded in operational efficiency and turnaround time under the current management.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that CPPI is a globally recognized benchmark that provides a consistent, data-driven assessment of port performance based on vessel time spent in port.
The index enables comparisons across ports worldwide and over time, helping to identify areas of progress as well as operational challenges requiring attention.
The latest recognition comes on the heels of NPA pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s trade surplus. Through enhanced efficiency and improved port operations, NPA has continued to provide the platform for Nigeria’s successive attainment of trade surpluses since 2024.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of the nation’s ports to economic growth and international trade.
Dantsoho linked the achievement to the investor-friendly policies of President Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
His words: “With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy.”
Not a few stakeholders in the maritime industry have opined that the recognition is expected to strengthen investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reinforce the country’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub in West Africa Sub-region.
