By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on Sunday received national recognition for his leadership in transforming Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, as he was decorated with the Award for “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness” at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS).
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is a flagship presidential initiative coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) to honour public servants who demonstrate exceptional performance in the discharge of their duties.
Dantsoho’s selection, according to organisers, reflects a robust scorecard of reforms that have strengthened operational efficiency across Nigeria’s port ecosystem. Under his leadership, the NPA recorded significant growth in export volumes, contributing to the country’s attainment of a national trade surplus — the first in years.
The NPA MD was also celebrated for driving the Port Community System (PCS), a strategic step toward actualising the National Single Window (NSW) project seen as central to boosting trade competitiveness. His tenure has also attracted renewed global investor interest in the ongoing modernisation of port infrastructure, equipment upgrades and digital operations.
Nigeria’s rising influence in the global maritime community formed another pillar of his recognition. The country currently occupies the presidency of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA) and the vice-presidency of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Dantsoho was equally acknowledged for the NPA’s role under the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in securing Nigeria’s re-election into the influential Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a development seen as strengthening the nation’s voice in global maritime governance.
NEAPS organisers described Dantsoho’s award as a testament to the transformational direction of the marine and blue economy sector and a validation of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigerian ports for global competitiveness.