Stakeholders Laud NPA MD Dantsoho’s 18-Month Stewardship, Cite Improvements In Port Operations

Stakeholders Laud NPA MD Dantsoho’s 18-Month Stewardship, Cite Improvements In Port Operations
…… Dantsoho has significantly improved overall efficiency across Nigeria’s seaports – Onyemekara

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola CON ( upper left),Managing Director ,NPA,Dr Abubakar Dantsoho(L) ,and maritime logistics expert,High Chief  Sir Patrick Ogbo, maritime logistics expert 

By Frank Odinukaeze

Stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy sector have commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for what they described as outstanding stewardship in his first eighteen months in office.

Speaking in an exclusive engagement with NAGAFF Cargo Watch, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Dr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, highlighted reforms and achievements recorded under the Dantsoho-led administration, noting that the progress being enjoyed across the port system reflects purposeful leadership and strategic planning.

Operational Efficiency and Multimodal Transport Reforms

According to Onyemekara, the administration has significantly improved port operations, logistics, multimodal transport and overall efficiency across Nigeria’s seaports.

One of the most pressing issues the MD confronted on assumption of office was the persistent truck gridlock along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors — a challenge that previously hindered port productivity, vessel turnaround time, cargo delivery and revenue generation.

He explained that the MD adopted proactive multimodal strategies involving road rehabilitation, enhanced barge operations, and expanded rail connectivity. The eto call-up system was also upgraded with more digital features to ensure orderly truck movement into the ports.

“Today, the Lekki and Onne call-up systems are functioning optimally, while Apapa and Tin Can corridors have witnessed remarkable improvement,” he said. Truckers, freight forwarders and logistics operators have also testified to the improvements.

Rail and Water Transport Boost

Onyemekara noted that rail lines within the Apapa port corridor have now been expanded and linked to almost all terminals, enabling trains to access all berths and improving cargo evacuation to the northern region through the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Dry ports and inland container depots in Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jos are already benefiting from this enhanced rail connectivity.
Barge operations have also become a vital alternative for container movement, reducing pressure on the roads and improving turnaround time.

Port Rehabilitation and New Deep Seaport Projects

The NPA spokesman disclosed that extensive rehabilitation is ongoing at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, while significant progress has been recorded in Onne, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar Ports.
He added that the MD’s vision for greenfield development has accelerated efforts toward the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport, Ondo Port, Bakassi Deep Seaport, Ibom Deep Seaport and Oguta Port.

Safer, Cleaner and Better-Managed Channels

Onyemekara stated that channel management companies across pilotage districts have intensified dredging works and improved navigational aids for safer vessel movement. He noted that waste management and pollution-control firms such as African Circle Ltd and MARPOL are now more active in ensuring clean, safe marine environments within Nigeria’s nautical limits.

Growth in Import and Export Activities

The NPA also reported growth in cargo throughput within the period under review, with container volumes rising notably across Apapa, Tin Can, and Onne Ports.

Export activities have equally surged, facilitated by reduced export dwelling time and improved coordination at designated export terminals. Onyemekara said the NPA is finalising plans to establish new export processing terminals to accommodate the projected growth in exports in 2026.
Staff Welfare, Capacity Building and the Single Window Drive.

The spokesperson emphasized that the MD places high priority on staff welfare, ensuring improved health facilities, better incentives and robust training programmes. He noted that issues of stagnation, delayed promotion and limited training “are now in the past.”

Onyemekara also revealed that the National Single Window Initiative, originally conceptualized within the NPA, is a major project the administration is pushing vigorously. The system is expected to eliminate human interference, reduce container dwelling time, minimise delays and turn Nigeria’s ports into a true one-stop maritime platform.

Expectations for 2026 and Government Support

Looking ahead, the NPA anticipates a rise in export volumes, a surge in foreign direct investments and more empowerment opportunities for port-adjoining communities and maritime operators.

The GM expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the ministry’s “immeasurable support” to the NPA MD, adding that the strides recorded so far align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.