By Jennete Ugo Anya
Nigeria’s maritime sector has earned another moment in the global spotlight. Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH), a position that underscores both his personal track record and Nigeria’s rising influence in international shipping and trade governance.
The election, held in Tokyo, Japan, was more than a routine leadership vote. It signaled the confidence of global port operators in Nigeria’s capacity to shape debates on trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth at a time when maritime hubs face unprecedented pressures from global supply chain disruptions and climate challenges.
For Dr. Dantsoho, the new role adds to a growing list of firsts. Just last year, he became the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), an institution that has existed since 1972. His election to the IAPH vice-presidency cements Nigeria’s place at the table where global maritime rules and policies are negotiated.
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Confirming the victory in Abuja, NPA spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, described the appointment as “a reflection of international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development.” His words were echoed by IAPH Secretary-General, Masahiko Furuichi, who said: “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”
That recognition has been built on measurable results. Under Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership, Nigeria’s ports have recorded major operational gains, particularly in diversifying beyond oil exports. Data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) show that non-oil exports grew by 19.59% in the first half of 2025, rising to $3.225 billion, with export volumes on NPA platforms climbing to 4.04 million metric tonnes.
Analysts at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) credit these reforms with helping Nigeria post its first trade surplus in years.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, the IAPH is the world’s largest port association, bringing together more than 190 ports and 167 maritime businesses across 89 countries. Collectively, its members handle more than 60% of global seaborne trade and container traffic. The body serves as a crucial voice in international maritime policy, working with the International Maritime Organization, the World Customs Organization, and the wider United Nations system.
By securing the vice-presidency, Nigeria is not only gaining a stronger voice in these conversations but also positioning its ports as models for efficiency, regional integration, and sustainability. For a country that has long sought to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, the symbolism is as powerful as the practical gains.
As Dr. Dantsoho prepares to take his seat at the IAPH leadership table, expectations are high that Nigeria will leverage this platform to drive new investment, foster regional cooperation, and help shape a global maritime sector in transition.
