From Congestion to Global Influence: Inside NPA’s Historic 2025 Maritime Transformation
By Gabriel Kekong
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is currently riding a wave of unprecedented growth, making 2025 as a year of transformation for the country’s maritime sector.
Since his appointment in July 2024, the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has revitalized the agency, turning Nigeria’s ports into models or hubs of efficiency that bolster the national economy.
The numbers reflect this success: under Dr. Dantsoho’s stewardship, sustained port efficiencies helped propel Nigeria’s international trade to ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024.
His impact extends to national fiscal policy, where he successfully implemented the presidential mandate to trade petroleum in Naira, reducing the strain on the country’s forex reserves.
By integrating Nigeria into the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) which is a precursor to the National Single Window project being championed by the Federal Government he has ushered in a new era of transparency. His visionary leadership was recently honored with the Award of Excellence for his role in modernizing maritime infrastructure.
The NPA’s achievements in 2025 are a clear indication to its focus on excellence and innovation.
From berthing its first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel to posting impressive performance metrics, NPA is solidifying its role in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future.
Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO Council after 14 years hiatus marked a significant milestone, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.
“This development reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Impressed with the development, the President applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the diplomatic team for their dedication and strategic engagement.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to member states for their support, stating, “Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.”
This election marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s maritime history, with the country joining 19 other nations in Category C, reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation.
Minister Oyetola hailed the win as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.”
Dr. Dantsoho also congratulated the Minister and Nigeria on this outstanding milestone, stating, “Nigeria has spoken boldly on the global stage, and today, the world is listening.”
In July 2025, the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon, a 349 TEU container vessel, equally marked a breakthrough in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“We are fascinated that MV Ocean Dragon is wholly Nigerian, aligning with President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy and NPA’s focus on Nigerian content development,” said Dr. Dantsoho.
The vessel will boost regional trade and reduce logistics costs.
The vessel owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, has a capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot-Equivalent Units (TEUs) and is set to operate across West Africa and beyond, servicing ports in several countries including Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and South Africa.
The MV Ocean Dragon is expected to give a boost to concerted investment drive geared towards reaping the cost and time-saving benefits of short-sea shipping.
By offering an efficient alternative to road transport, the vessel will help reduce logistics costs and increase revenue for the country.
According to Bernadine Eloka, Vice President of Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, the acquisition of the vessel is a bold solution to the high-risk, road-dominated movement of cargoes wi