By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s maritime sector has received a major boost after the World Bank named the Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s 20 most improved ports, reflecting significant progress in operational efficiency and service delivery.
The recognition was contained in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released by the World Bank in June 2026, which highlighted both Lagos ports for their notable improvements in vessel turnaround times and overall port performance. 
The ranking is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative global assessments of port efficiency, measuring how quickly ships are serviced and cleared through ports. It provides a standardised, data-driven framework for comparing the performance of ports across different countries and regions.
The latest recognition comes amid ongoing reforms and modernisation efforts at Nigeria’s seaports, spearheaded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of its Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
Industry observers say the improved ranking reflects sustained efforts to streamline port operations, reduce delays and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime gateways in the global shipping industry.
The latest recognition comes on the heels of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s trade surplus. Through enhanced efficiency and improved port operations, the NPA has continued to provide the platform for Nigeria’s successive attainment of trade surpluses since 2024. Most recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of the nation’s ports to economic growth and international trade.
Reacting to the World Bank report, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the achievement to the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy.”
The inclusion of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in the global Top 20 for improvement marks a significant milestone for the country’s maritime sector, which has in recent years pursued measures aimed at boosting efficiency, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
The Container Port Performance Index serves as an important benchmark for governments, port operators and investors by identifying ports that are making measurable progress while also highlighting areas requiring further operational improvement.
For Nigeria, the latest ranking is expected to reinforce confidence in ongoing port reforms and support efforts to improve trade facilitation, logistics performance and economic competitiveness.
