Recent reforms embarked upon by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, are receiving global recognition resulting in his election as the Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH)
By Innocent Chukwu
These are rosy times for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The Federal Government’s agency currently led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as its Managing Director, has written its name in gold in the comity of the global maritime business sector through various reforms being undertaken by the management.
Hence, it is not surprising to many stakeholders of the NPA as the MD, Dantsoho has been conferred with the global maritime leadership positions, the most recent being the Vice President, Africa, of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Dr. Dantsoho was recently elected the Vice President for Africa of the IAPH to further cement Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.
The election, held in Tokyo, Japan, marked another milestone for Dantsoho and his NPA, as he previously made history as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) since its establishment in 1972.
Confirming the victory in a statement last week, the NPA General Manager in charge of its Corporate and Strategic Communications (C&SC) Department, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the appointment reflected international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development.
IAPH Secretary-General, Masahiko Furuichi, also welcomed the development, as he noted, “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for years to come.”
Dantsoho’s leadership at the NPA has been marked by major operational gains, including a significant rise in non-oil exports and an improved trade balance.
According to the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC), non-oil exports rose by 19.59 per cent in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, while export volumes on NPA platforms climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) also credited these reforms with helping Nigeria achieve a trade surplus for the first time in years.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, IAPH is a global alliance of more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries.
Collectively, its members handle over 60 per cent of the world’s seaborne trade and container traffic.
The body plays a key role in shaping global maritime policy, working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Customs Organization (WCO), and the United Nations (UN) system.
The election of Dantsoho has placed Nigeria at the heart of global port policy debates, strengthening its voice in advancing trade efficiency, port resilience and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
The election has further witnessed commendations from the diverse quarters, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who congratulated Dr. Dantsoho, on his election.
Dantsoho has joined the management team of the IAPH, and will serve for a two-year term, according to a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 70-year-old global association serves as the voice for seaports worldwide and will mark its anniversary on October 7 in Kobe, Japan.
The President thanked the members of the IAPH for the confidence reposed in Dantsoho by entrusting him with the position, just as they did in 2017, when Hadiza Bala Usman, one of Dantsoho’s predecessors, was similarly elected, the statement said.
President Tinubu, according to the statement believes that the election of Dantsoho will boost Nigeria’s ambition to tap into the global marine and blue economy.
The President encourages Dantsoho to continue his efforts to reposition the NPA, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s goal of expanding its economy to $1 trillion by 2030.
In the same vein, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Dantsoho on his elevation.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the election as a testament to Dr Dantsoho’s outstanding leadership and a global recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in maritime affairs.
The Minister noted that the development was a direct reflection of the significant strides made under the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.
Oyetola said, “This election is a recognition of the ongoing reforms to reposition Nigerian ports and the blue economy drive of the Federal Government. It validates our commitment to creating a more efficient, secure, and competitive maritime environment, which is a key component of our national economic strategy.”
Oyetola also hinted that the government’s ongoing port modernisation initiative was a comprehensive programme designed to overhaul port infrastructure, embrace cutting-edge technology, and streamline operational processes. The goal is to elevate Nigerian ports to international standards and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
According to Oyetola, Dantsoho’s role within such an influential body will be instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
He expressed confidence that Dr Dantsoho’s wealth of experience will enable him to make impactful contributions to the IAPH and, in doing so, further elevate Nigeria’s voice in global maritime policy debates and foster deeper international collaboration.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has also congratulated Dantsoho on his election. The Executive Secretary of the Ports Economic Regulator, Dr Pius Akutah Ukeyima, in a press statement issued by the Council described Dantsoho’s election as a reflection of his exceptional leadership qualities.
Describing Dantsoho’s emergence as a remarkable milestone, the NSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said the election “reflects his exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to the growth of the maritime industry.
“This outstanding achievement is a source of pride to Nigeria and a clear recognition of your visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the maritime and port sector,” Dr. Akutah stated.
Also in its congratulation to Dantsoho, the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) in a statement by its Chairman Olori (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup, described Dr. Dantsoho’s election as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a recognition of his leadership qualities, professional acumen, and the growing importance of the Nigerian maritime sector on the global stage.
The group said, “Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours is a great honour, not just for him personally, but for Nigeria as a whole.
“It is a resounding testament to his track record of competence, vision, and dedication to improving port operations in Nigeria. His leadership at the NPA has been marked by bold reforms and a renewed commitment to efficiency and global best practices. The international maritime community has now recognized these qualities by entrusting him with such a strategic role.”
