Nigeria’s Dantsoho Takes the Helm in Global Port Leadership

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho

Nigeria’s Global Maritime Rise

Anchored in Influence: Nigeria’s Dantsoho Takes the Helm in Global Port Leadership

On the international front, Nigeria’s Abubakar Dantsoho was elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH). This boosts Nigeria’s influence in global maritime policy.

In a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime ambitions, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH). The election, held in Tokyo, marks a strategic leap for Nigeria, placing it squarely at the heart of global maritime policy and port governance.

Dantsoho’s rise to this prestigious role is more than a personal achievement, it’s a national milestone. As the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its founding in 1972, he has long been a trailblazer. Now, with his new position at IAPH, he joins the management team of a global alliance that represents over 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries. Collectively, these members handle more than 60% of the world’s seaborne trade, making IAPH a powerhouse in shaping international maritime standards.

President Bola Tinubu hailed the appointment as a boost to Nigeria’s marine and blue economy aspirations, urging Dantsoho to continue his efforts to reposition the NPA and help drive the country toward its $1 trillion economic goal by 2030. Under Dantsoho’s leadership, Nigeria has already seen a surge in non-oil exports, which 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, contributing to Nigeria’s first trade surplus in years.

Dantsoho’s election also signals a shift in how Africa is represented in global maritime circles. His pledge to enhance port infrastructure, competitiveness, and regional integration reflects a broader vision, one that aligns African port development with international best practices. With this dual influence at both regional and global levels, Nigeria is poised to shape the future of trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth across the continent.

As the IAPH prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in Kobe, Japan this October, Dantsoho’s presence on its leadership team ensures that Africa’s voice will be heard louder than ever. For Nigeria, this isn’t just a seat at the table, it’s a captain’s chair on the bridge of global maritime strategy.