President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious Award of Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness on the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The honour was bestowed on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. NEAPS, a presidential initiative coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), celebrated public officials who demonstrate exceptional performance and impact.
Dr. Dantsoho’s recognition highlighted his “sterling performance scorecard,” including reforms that boosted port efficiency and contributed to Nigeria achieving a national trade surplus through significant growth in exports. His leadership has also advanced the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) via the Port Community System (PCS), positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub.
Under his stewardship, the NPA has attracted renewed global investor interest in port modernization covering infrastructure, equipment upgrades, and digital transformation. Nigeria’s rising influence in the global maritime community has also been strengthened, with the country currently holding the Presidency of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA) and the Vice-Presidency of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH).
The award further acknowledges the NPA’s pivotal support under the guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in securing Nigeria’s successful re-enlistment into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a major milestone in aligning the nation with leading maritime economies.
Dr. Dantsoho’s honour is seen as a strong endorsement of the ongoing maritime reforms aimed at boosting efficiency, competitiveness, and international confidence in Nigeria’s port operations.
