Nigeria's Growing Influence in Global Maritime Affairs: Dr. Dantsoho Elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours

Strategic Insights -

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has made history yet again by being elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH). This achievement follows his previous milestone as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its establishment in 1972. Dantsoho's leadership at the NPA has been marked by significant operational gains, including a substantial rise in non-oil exports and an improved trade balance. The appointment reflects international recognition of Nigeria's renewed leadership in maritime development and positions the country as a key player in global port policy debates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
  • Dantsoho made history as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its establishment in 1972.
  • His leadership at the NPA has led to a rise in non-oil exports by 19.59% in the first half of 2025, reaching $3.225 billion.
  • The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) credits the reforms under Dantsoho's leadership with helping Nigeria achieve a trade surplus for the first time in years.
  • IAPH is a global alliance of more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries, handling over 60% of the world's seaborne trade and container traffic.
  • Dantsoho's elevation positions Nigeria at the heart of global port policy debates, strengthening its voice in advancing trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

Statistics:

  • Non-oil exports rose by 19.59% in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion.
  • Export volumes on NPA platforms climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes.
  • IAPH is a global alliance of over 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries.
  • IAPH collectively handles over 60% of the world's seaborne trade and container traffic.

Sources:

  • [Nigerian Ports Authority: CEO confirms election of Managing Director as IAPH Vice-President for Africa]
  • [IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi welcomes Dr. Dantsoho as new Vice-President for Africa]
  • [Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC): 2025 Non-Oil Exports Report]
  • [Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG): 2025 Trade Report]
  • [International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH): About IAPH]