NPA’s Modernisation Drive Lifts Apapa, Tin Can Into World Bank’s Top 20 Ports

The ongoing modernisation and efficiency enhancement programme of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has earned international recognition, with the World Bank ranking Apapa and Tin Can Island ports among the world’s top 20 most improved container ports over the last five years.

The recognition, contained in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), highlights the significant gains recorded by the two Lagos ports in operational efficiency, vessel turnaround time and cargo handling performance, underscoring the impact of reforms being implemented by the NPA under the leadership of its Managing Director, .

The CPPI report, jointly published by the and , ranked Tin Can Island Port Complex 10th globally among ports that achieved the highest performance improvements between 2020 and 2025. Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, followed closely in 12th position.

The annual index assesses container ports worldwide using vessel time in port as a key performance indicator, providing a data-driven benchmark for measuring efficiency, productivity and service delivery across global maritime gateways.

According to the report, Tin Can Island Port recorded a 42-point improvement in its CPPI score, rising from -68 in 2020 to -26 in 2025. Apapa Port also posted a strong performance, improving by 35 points from -61 to -26 during the same period.

The achievement places Nigeria among a select group of countries that have significantly enhanced port operations and logistics efficiency, reflecting sustained efforts to modernise infrastructure, improve cargo clearance processes and strengthen operational capacity.

The improved ranking is particularly significant as Nigeria’s ports outperformed several established international ports. France’s ranked 11th with a 39-point improvement, while Türkiye’s placed 13th with a 34-point gain. India’s came 14th after recording a 32-point improvement.

Other ports featured on the list include Peru’s in 15th place, while China’s and occupied 16th and 17th positions respectively.

The World Bank recognition comes at a time when Nigeria is recording consistent improvements in trade performance. The NPA has been instrumental in supporting the country’s trade growth by providing the infrastructure and operational framework required for efficient movement of imports and exports.

Nigeria has recorded consecutive trade surpluses since 2024, with the latest report by the showing a trade surplus of N7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.

Industry stakeholders say the latest ranking validates ongoing investments in port infrastructure and equipment upgrades, as well as reforms aimed at reducing bottlenecks and enhancing competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Reacting to the development, Dantsoho credited the achievement to the investment-friendly policies of President and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, .

According to him, the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and the modernisation of port facilities has created the foundation for improved efficiency and stronger trade performance.

“With the investor-friendliness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the gravitas needed for increased investment to implement our port infrastructure and equipment modernisation drive, coupled with the unflinching support from the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to advance the fortunes of trade and boost the national economy,” Dantsoho stated.

The recognition is expected to further enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a major maritime hub in West Africa while strengthening investor confidence in the country’s port and logistics sector.