Apapa, Tin Can Rank Among World’s Most Improved Ports.
Nigeria’s ongoing port reform and modernization drive under the leadership of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has earned global recognition, with the World Bank ranking the Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s 20 most improved ports.
The recognition underscores the impact of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s seaports.
According to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released by the World Bank in June 2026, both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were listed in the Top 20 Port Improvement category, reflecting significant progress in vessel turnaround time and overall port efficiency under the current management.
The CPPI is a globally respected benchmark that provides a consistent, data-driven assessment of port performance based on the time vessels spend in port. The index enables comparisons among ports worldwide and helps identify both areas of progress and operational challenges requiring attention.
The latest achievement follows the Nigerian Ports Authority’s critical role in supporting Nigeria’s sustained trade surplus. Through improved port operations and enhanced efficiency, the NPA has continued to facilitate increased trade activities, contributing to the country’s successive trade surpluses since 2024.
Most recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, further highlighting the strategic importance of Nigeria’s ports to economic growth and international commerce.
Reacting to the World Bank ranking, Dr. Dantsoho attributed the milestone to the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He said: “With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu driving increased investment in our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we are well positioned to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness, and boost the national economy.”
The recognition is expected to strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reinforce the country’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub in West Africa.
