Nigeria’s maritime sector, which handles over 80% of the nation’s international trade, is experiencing a major transformation under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho. The reforms, anchored on port modernisation, digital trade facilitation, and institutional restructuring, aim to position Nigerian seaports as competitive hubs in the global shipping ecosystem.
Last week, the Nigerian Ports Authority released its 2025 Operational Performance Report, highlighting a historic surge in maritime activity. Total cargo throughput rose by 24.8%, climbing from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
Dr. Dantsoho described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, emphasizing that the milestone enhances the country’s strategic role in regional and global trade.
The report also noted increases in container traffic and an expanding export footprint, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to economic diversification and trade facilitation. Analysts say the modernisation and reform agenda is helping to streamline port operations, reduce bottlenecks, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
