Apapa, Tin Can Rank Among World’s Most Improved Ports

The ongoing reform and modernization efforts led by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr.

Abubakar Dantsoho, have received international recognition, as the World Bank has ranked the Tin Can Island Port Complex and Apapa Port Complex among the world’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports.
According to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released by the World Bank in June 2026, both ports were included in the Top 20 Port Improvement category. The ranking reflects the significant progress achieved in operational efficiency and vessel turnaround time under the current NPA management.

The CPPI is a globally recognized benchmark that provides a consistent, data-driven assessment of port performance based on the amount of time vessels spend in port. The index allows for comparisons among ports worldwide and over time, helping to identify improvements as well as operational challenges that require attention.
The latest recognition follows the Nigerian Ports Authority’s key contribution to sustaining Nigeria’s trade surplus. Through improved efficiency and enhanced port operations, the NPA has continued to provide the platform for Nigeria’s consistent trade surpluses since 2024. Most recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, underscoring the strategic role of the nation’s ports in economic growth and international trade.
Reacting to the World Bank report, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, credited the achievement to the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy,” he said.
The recognition is expected to boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and further strengthen the country’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub in West Africa.