World Bank ranks Apapa, Tin Can ports among top 20 most improved globally

Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector have received global commendation, as the World Bank has ranked the Tin Can Island Port Complex and Apapa Port Complex among the world’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports.

The recognition is contained in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released in June 2026, which assessed port operations across the world based on efficiency, turnaround time, and vessel dwell time.

According to the report, both Nigerian ports recorded significant improvements in operational performance, reflecting ongoing reforms and modernization efforts within the nation’s port system.

The CPPI, a globally respected benchmarking tool developed by the World Bank and relevant stakeholders, measures port performance using data-driven indicators, particularly the time vessels spend in port. It is widely used to compare efficiency levels across global maritime hubs and track year-on-year progress.

The latest ranking places Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways among ports that have shown notable gains in efficiency, a development analysts say could enhance trade competitiveness and improve investor confidence in the country’s maritime logistics chain.

The improved performance also aligns with broader economic indicators, as Nigeria continues to record trade surpluses in recent years. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the country posted a ₦7.54 trillion trade surplus in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the growing role of port efficiency in driving external trade performance.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the recognition to ongoing reforms driven by the Federal Government’s economic and maritime policy direction.

He said the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have created the enabling environment for infrastructure upgrades and modernization across the port system.

Dantsoho also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support in advancing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and competitiveness.

“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,” he said.

The Nigerian Ports Authority noted that the latest recognition is expected to further boost investor confidence in the maritime sector and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a key trade and logistics hub in West Africa.