By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu has approved a $1 billion total reconstruction of Nigeria’s major seaports — Apapa, Tincan Island, Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, confirmed the approval during an interview with journalists at the ongoing World Ports Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) in Kobe, Japan.
According to Dantsoho, full reconstruction work is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026 after comprehensive engineering, environmental, and design assessments. The project, he said, is expected to be completed within 48 months.
He noted that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness within the global maritime industry.
“The construction of ports of this magnitude takes time — from engineering and environmental studies to design. We’re targeting a 48-month completion period, with work commencing early next year,” Dantsoho explained.
Applauding the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his commitment, the NPA boss said the maritime sector is central to the administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Dantsoho, who also serves as Vice President of IAPH Africa, emphasised the importance of collaboration and trust among stakeholders to attract investment. “Investors are showing renewed interest in Nigeria due to President Tinubu’s economic reforms. What’s crucial now is fostering trust and partnership,” he said.
He disclosed that Nigeria had awarded its Port Community System contract to a subsidiary of the Port Authority of Singapore, which will manage the nation’s national single window project.
Highlighting the capital-intensive nature of port development, Dantsoho stressed that significant foreign investment would be essential to fund the modernisation drive.
“The world is moving towards automation, with fully automated ships expected by 2040. Nigeria must invest in technology and automation to remain competitive,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s growing engagement with global port and maritime associations would further strengthen partnerships and attract long-term investment to the nation’s seaports.
