Nigeria’s Ports Gain International Recognition for Improvements
The World Bank has recognized Nigeria’s Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex as two of the 20 most improved ports globally. This acknowledgment underscores the transformative impact of ongoing reforms and operational enhancements within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
These rankings are part of the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released in June. The World Bank’s assessment reflects considerable advancements in port efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround times, and enhanced cargo handling operations at these key facilities.
This elevation in status coincides with the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) commitment to modernizing port infrastructure, streamlining operational processes, and improving service delivery. Such initiatives are a crucial part of broader reform efforts aimed at elevating Nigeria’s competitive standing in global trade.
The report indicates that the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports’ inclusion in the top 20 signifies a blossoming confidence in Nigeria’s maritime industry as it works to bolster international trade.
Co-developed as a benchmark for assessing global port performance, the CPPI evaluates ports based on the duration vessels remain at port, providing vital comparative data on operational efficiency among major ports worldwide.
This index is widely utilized by governments, investors, shipping companies, and logistics operators to measure port productivity and pinpoint improvement areas. The recent rankings serve as a significant endorsement of the reforms propelled by NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dansoho’s administration, which has prioritized infrastructure renewal and operational efficiency.
Improved port operations have notably enhanced the efficiency of import and export activities, contributing to a notable trade surplus for Nigeria starting in 2024. The National Bureau of Statistics anticipates that Nigeria will achieve a trade surplus of N7.5 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, further emphasizing the critical role of effective port operations in facilitating economic growth and international trade.
Responding to the World Bank’s recognition, Dansoho attributed the achievement to the economic policies enacted by President Bola Tinubu and the support from Minister of Oceans and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola. He underscored that ongoing investments in port modernization are yielding tangible results, committing the NPA to continue enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening Nigeria’s port competitiveness.
The World Bank’s endorsement could further bolster investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector as the government strives to establish the nation as a premier logistics and trade hub within West Africa. This development is also expected to stimulate private investment in port infrastructure, deepen regional trade integration, and enhance Nigeria’s positioning within global supply chains.
