The Federal Government and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho have been applauded over the ongoing $1 billion seaport reconstruction programme, describing it as a bold step towards revitalising Nigeria’s maritime sector and positioning the country as a leading regional trade hub.

The National Coalition for Transformative Reforms (NCTR) has commended while applauding the initiative noted that the ambitious project, which involves the rehabilitation of five major seaports within 48 months, demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to modernising critical infrastructure, improving port efficiency and driving economic diversification.

Executive Director of the coalition, Dr. Richard Ocheje in a statement in Abuja maintained that the reconstruction programme covering the Apapa, Tin Can Island, Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt/Onne seaports will significantly enhance cargo handling capacity, reduce congestion and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within the West and Central African maritime corridor.

Ocheje also praised Dantsoho for providing effective leadership at the Nigerian Ports Authority, saying the agency has witnessed significant reforms since his appointment in 2024.
He noted that under Dantsoho’s leadership, the NPA has restored public confidence and aligned its operations with the Federal Government’s port modernisation agenda.

“The MD has within a short time given the NPA a brand new image. As a regulator, the agency has left no one in doubt that the man in charge is a square peg in a square hole,” he said.
The coalition further highlighted the £746 million United Kingdom financing agreement signed in March 2026 for the upgrade and modernisation of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port, describing it as another milestone in the administration’s infrastructure renewal efforts.

It also applauded the Federal Government’s ongoing development and certification of five new deep seaports in Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny, saying the projects would expand Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity and attract increased private investment.
Ocheje commended the Federal Government’s digital transformation initiatives in the maritime sector, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window platform, which he said would simplify cargo clearance, reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.

He also welcomed the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by the National Assembly, noting that the proposed legislation would strengthen regulation, promote transparency and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s ports.

The coalition expressed confidence that the combination of infrastructure renewal, digital reforms and stronger regulatory oversight would improve ease of doing business, increase non-oil revenue, create jobs and consolidate Nigeria’s position as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa.