…push for comprehensive overhaul of Infrastructure, automation systems
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is gearing up for a major revenue jump in 2025, setting sights on over ₦1.27 trillion, a 40 percent rise from the ₦894.86 billion brought in last year. 
Behind this bold forecast are major infrastructure upgrades, full-scale marine activities at the Dangote Refinery, and tech-driven improvements aimed at streamlining port operations.
This came to light during a budget review session with the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, where NPA boss Abubakar Dantsoho walked lawmakers through the agency’s performance and plans.
“Our figures for 2025 go beyond just numbers. They reflect our drive to build a more efficient and globally relevant port network”, Dantsoho said.
According to him, more than 70% of the Authority’s spending plan will be directed at capital projects.
By the end of 2024, the Authority brought in more revenue than expected pulling in ₦894.86 billion against a projection of ₦865.39 billion. On the spending side, things moved at a slower pace, with only ₦417.86 billion out of the ₦850.92 billion approved budget actually used at the time of reporting.
Despite the cautious spending, NPA still made one of its biggest-ever payments into the national account ₦400.8 billion, almost twice the ₦213.23 billion from the previous year. Interestingly, most of that about ₦344.7 billion was taken off directly before reaching the agency’s coffers.
“This shows our unwavering commitment to national revenue generation, even when our own operational liquidity is affected,” the NPA boss stressed.
Dantsoho said the projected revenue increase is premised on several key assumptions and developments, including: The full operation of the Dangote Refinery, which alone is expected to draw in over 600 vessels annually through its Single Point Mooring (SPM) system; the commissioning of upgraded terminals at WACT and OMT, which will enhance container traffic; the implementation of automation tools such as the National Single Window, Port Community System (PCS), and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); and increased cargo volumes stemming from global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has affected global trade routes.
He said the 2025 revenue is expected to come from the following key sources: Ship Dues, ₦544.06 billion; Cargo Dues, ₦413.06 billion; Concession Fees, ₦249.69 billion; and Administrative Revenue, ₦73.07 billion
Of the proposed ₦1.14 trillion total expenditure for 2025, ₦778.46 billion is earmarked for capital projects.
This investment, he said, will target the revitalization of critical infrastructure, including the Calabar, Warri, and Burutu ports and channels, and enhance towage services, channel depth, and compliance with international security conventions.
“Investments in infrastructure and technology are non-negotiable if we are to stay competitive regionally and globally,” Dantsoho emphasized.
He cited increasing competition from neighboring ports and aging assets across Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
The NPA also intends to address technology gaps by upgrading legacy systems and bolstering cybersecurity, ensuring Nigerian ports meet global standards for digital operations.
“We can say that with timely access to internally generated revenue and capital funds NPA would deliver the kind of impact Nigeria expects,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Nnolim Nnaji, urged the NPA to ramp up performance, improve port infrastructure, and play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s revenue and unemployment challenges.
Nnaji said the ports remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, and urged the agency to meet rising expectations despite operational challenges.
“No country can thrive economically without high-performing ports. They are the economic heartbeat of every nation, determining how buoyant a country is through the flow of imports and exports,” Hon Nnaji said.
The committee praised NPA for its performance.
Nnaji stressed that the NPA’s performance has implications beyond maritime activity, noting that increased port output can significantly boost job creation across several sectors.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority is not just a revenue-generating agency, it is a national asset in terms of employment and economic impact.
“We expect to see detailed strategies on how to improve revenue generation and expand employment opportunities through your 2025 budget,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed to growing interest in the development of new ports across the country but cautioned against neglecting existing port infrastructure.
“As we welcome investment in new ports, we must not abandon the old ones. Maintaining and upgrading our existing ports, both in the Eastern Corridor and the Western axis, is essential to long-term sustainability,” he added.
The Committee called for a clear outline from the NPA on how its 2025 financial plan will address pressing national concerns and reaffirm Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global maritime trade.
