By Ebiere Kekeboro
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
The election, which took place on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan, marks another historic milestone for Dantsoho, who was the first Nigerian to head the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its establishment in 1972.
Confirming the victory in a statement, NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said, “Dr. Dantsoho’s election reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development.”
IAPH Secretary-General, Masahiko Furuichi, also welcomed the development, stating, “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”
Under Dantsoho’s leadership, the NPA has recorded key operational gains, including growth in non-oil exports and improved trade performance. Data from the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC) shows that non-oil exports rose by 19.59% in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, while exports through NPA platforms reached 4.04 million metric tonnes. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) also credited these reforms with helping the country achieve its first trade surplus in years.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, IAPH is a global alliance of more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries, handling over 60% of global seaborne trade and container traffic. The body works closely with international institutions including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the World Customs Organization, and the United Nations system.
With this elevation, Nigeria is now better positioned to influence global port policy, trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable maritime growth.