Ports Authority Models Reforms After Antwerp Port, Targets Deep Seaport Expansion

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has disclosed that the reform of Nigeria’s port system is modelled largely on the Antwerp Port system, as the country seeks to modernise its ageing port infrastructure and improve competitiveness across the maritime sector.

The managing director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, made this known during a recent interaction with journalists, noting that while implementing a comprehensive port master plan takes time, the Authority remains committed to the chosen reform path.

According to him, a proper assessment of Nigeria’s port performance must take into account the country’s historical and infrastructural realities.

“Our challenges are many, but it is important to understand the history and context of Nigeria and its ports. You cannot simply compare Nigeria with Belgium or the Netherlands without considering this background,” he said.

Dr Dantsoho explained that the port reform programme was guided by recommendations from an international consulting firm and, to a large extent, benchmarked against the Antwerp port system.

“We have modelled the reform of our port system on these recommendations and the Antwerp system. The execution of a master plan like that takes a lot of time, but that is the course we have chosen to take,” he stated.

Assessing the state of Nigeria’s port infrastructure, the NPA boss said major ports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island are old and constrained in terms of expansion and modernisation, making it difficult for them to accommodate larger, modern vessels.

He noted that Apapa Port, built about 100 years ago, has 24 berths, many of which are outdated, while Tin Can Island Port, Nigeria’s second-largest port, was constructed nearly 50 years ago.

“Limited expansion and modernisation make it difficult for these ports to handle modern vessels. Both Apapa and Tin Can are river ports and are relatively shallow,” he explained.

Dr Dantsoho added that changes in vessel size, speed and technology have further compounded the challenges facing Nigeria’s ageing ports.

By contrast, he said neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin moved faster in developing their port infrastructure, giving them a competitive edge.

“Ports in Tema, Abidjan, Lome and Cotonou are deeper and more modernised. Although Nigeria is more populous and economically stronger than these countries, cargo is often discharged there because their ports are strategically positioned to be more efficient in terms of infrastructure, equipment and technology,” he said.

However, the NPA managing director described these challenges as opportunities for growth, pointing to the operationalisation of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a major milestone.

“What we failed to do on time was to build brand new ports. We have now aggressively commenced this with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is fully automated and has a natural draught of 17 metres,” he noted, adding that investments are being ramped up to develop more deep-sea ports.

Dr Dantsoho further disclosed that the Authority currently holds licences or permits for the development of six deep-sea ports across the country.

He said NPA plans to adopt a multi-dimensional approach that promotes mining and agricultural exports, positioning Nigerian seaports not only as import hubs but also as export-driven gateways.

“We hope to establish additional deep-sea ports and emulate successful projects like Morocco’s Tanger-Med, with brand new terminals equipped with the latest technology and developed in partnership with world-class operators,” he said.

According to him, such initiatives will naturally attract foreign investment, as investors gain confidence in the government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s port infrastructure.