Trade, port reforms propel NPA to 2025 outstanding agency title

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been named Outstanding Agency of the Year 2025 by Champion Newspapers, in recognition of its impactful role in trade facilitation and the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The award was presented to the Managing Director of the Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, during the newspaper’s 2025 Awards Ceremony held in Lagos.

Represented at the event by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the NPA boss described the recognition as strong validation of the Authority’s sweeping reforms and strategic investments aimed at positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub.

He said the honour reflects the dedication of the NPA workforce and the agency’s sustained commitment to delivering efficient, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable port services.

According to him, the Authority has continued to roll out smart-port initiatives aligned with its vision of making Nigeria the Maritime Logistics Hub for Sustainable Port Services in Africa.

Onyemekara also credited the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noting that his guidance has played a pivotal role in the agency’s recent milestones.

Among the key achievements cited was improved port efficiency, which has strengthened Nigeria’s export competitiveness and supported the country’s expanding trade performance. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group show Nigeria recorded year-on-year trade surpluses of ₦7.5 trillion and ₦6.7 trillion in the second and third quarters of 2025 respectively.

The Authority also supported implementation of the Federal Government policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandating crude oil and petroleum product transactions in naira; a move widely credited with conserving foreign exchange, strengthening energy security and improving the nation’s trade balance.

Further strides include Nigeria’s completed membership of the International Port Community Systems Association, a development expected to accelerate deployment of the National Single Window platform for seamless trade documentation and cargo clearance.

In addition, the NPA provided technical backing that boosted transshipment volumes at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, enabling Nigeria to recover cargo traffic previously diverted to competing regional ports while strengthening access for landlocked neighbouring countries.

Nigeria’s growing maritime influence was further highlighted by the historic election of a Nigerian agency as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa; the first since the body’s establishment in 1972.

Dantsoho also currently chairs the Port Authority Police Committee, a leadership position observers say has enhanced Nigeria’s diplomatic standing in global maritime governance and supported the country’s re-admission into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council.

Presenting the award, Champion Newspapers stated that the honour recognises the NPA’s pivotal role as a trade facilitation engine driving national economic growth through the effective management and utilisation of Nigeria’s maritime assets.