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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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The comprehensive port modernization project being championed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is designed to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity while deploying advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s port network. The initiative is expected to improve vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly boost operational efficiency across all terminals.
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‎The 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the NPA says
‎Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity in 2025, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint, a development that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification.
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‎ The report revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 percent, rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
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‎As stated by an elated Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the growth being witnessed reflects one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history.
‎ The milestone, he says, strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
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While imports continue to dominate overall cargo traffic, the report highlights a steady rise in outward trade, with exports accounting for 39.0 percent of total cargo throughput. Inward traffic represented 59.2 percent, and transshipment contributed 1.8 percent. Analysts view the growth in export volumes as a direct validation of the Federal Government’s economic diversification initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.

‎Containerized cargo, a key indicator of export trade activity, grew significantly. Total container traffic increased by 25.7 percent, surpassing 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Of this, export containers grew by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent. The report also noted a remarkable 205.8 percent increase in transshipment containers, signaling Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal regional logistics and trade hub.

‎The report identified Lekki Port as the leading port in Nigeria, handling 40.6 percent of the nation’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, and Apapa Port handled 16.7 percent.
In addition to volume, Lekki Port attracted the largest vessels in 2025 with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port at 53,022 GRT. Apapa and Tin Can Island Port received ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
‎The report underscores a structural shift in vessel traffic: although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals accounting for 22.7 percent of total ship calls Lekki and Onne are increasingly receiving the industry’s “heavyweight” vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger, more valuable cargoes.

‎Overall, total ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels, reflecting broad-based growth across all operational metrics. Liquid bulk cargo, including fuel and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent. Analysts note that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic, coupled with container growth, points to a maritime sector gradually aligning with global shipping standards.
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‎The report also highlights the rising importance of transshipment cargo, particularly for containerized goods destined for other West and Central African ports. The 205.8 percent surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and increasing revenue for the Nigerian Ports Authority.
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‎“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem,” maritime analysts say. “The growth in exports and transshipment reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in regional trade.”
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‎With the nation’s ports showing resilience and dynamism, the report reinforces the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more fully into global supply chains.
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‎As Nigeria continues to welcome larger vessels and diversify its cargo base, the 2025 NPA report positions Lekki Port and the broader port network as central to the country’s economic diversification strategy, regional trade prominence, and global maritime ambitions.
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‎Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next phase of growth will be driven by the Federal Government–approved bold port modernization programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Sarat Lara Braimah has been bestowed with an award by a Ghana-based organization, Stay Africa Youth Development Initiative (SAYDI). The Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award is in recognition of her hard work and dedication to national service.
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‎Dominic Mensah, President of the Accra, Ghana-based organisation, formally present the award to her in Lagos, Wednesday.
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‎In his remarks, Ambassador Mensah stated that the Nigerian chapter of SAYDI nominated Engr Braimah following the positive transformation recorded at the NIWA Lagos Area Office since she assumed office.
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‎He highlighted her promotion of students and youth empowerment, support for the Executive Governor of Lagos State’s zero tolerance for nepotism and favouritism, commitment to teamwork and selfless leadership style that reflects African moral values.
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‎He added that her career progression serves as an inspiration to young Africans, particularly women aspiring to build careers in the maritime sector.
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‎“Our core objective is to identify tomorrow’s leaders today by inspiring and educating young people in Africa to remain on the continent and contribute to its sustainable development across all fields of human endeavour.
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‎“This is where mentorship becomes essential. We seek out achievers like you who have risen through the ranks to inspire other young Africans to stay back and contribute to the growth of the continent,” Mensah said.
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‎During the presentation to Engr Braimah, Ambassador Mensah also announced her automatic induction into the Pan African Leadership Hall of Fame as an amazon of nation- building in Africa.
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‎In her appreciation remarks, Engr Braimah expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that although she had not previously encountered the organisation, she strongly aligns with its vision.
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‎She stressed that Africa can only grow and prosper when young people commit themselves to hard work and selfless service.
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‎“I want to sincerely thank you for this award, which I do not take for granted.
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‎“It will inspire me to do more for my organisation, Nigeria, and Africa’s maritime development. I believe in and encourage teamwork and dedication. Therefore, this award is dedicated to my superiors in Abuja and to all those who work tirelessly, sacrificing time with family and friends, to support me here in Lagos as Area Manager. I pray that many young people will remain focused and give their best to Nigeria and indeed Africa,” she stated.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Ltd, Kestin Ebimorbowei, says his agency’s partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) aligns with the Federal Government’s reform agenda aimed at strengthening economic performance and national stability.
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‎The Tantita Security Services boss was at the Command and Control Centre in Abuja, Thursday, where he unveiled the cutting -edge facility and donated Hilux vehicles to the NSCDC to enhance security coordination and operational efficiency nationwide. The initiative, he explained, demonstrates the company’s commitment to national development
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‎Ebimorbowei, who was represented by the company’s Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh,said although the centre is located in Abuja, its operational reach will cover the entire country.
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‎Enisuoh noted that the facility is equipped with advanced monitoring systems to enhance air, land, and real-time incident surveillance.
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‎He described the 24-hour centre as a major step towards deeper technological integration within the corps, adding that it would support the NSCDC and other security agencies in fulfilling their constitutional mandates.

‎Capt. Enisuoh commended NSCDC personnel for protecting Tantita operatives, noting that private security guards are not legally permitted to bear arms.
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‎He pledged that the company would continue to support families of 15 officers and personnel who lost their lives while working for the company.
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‎“We rate this partnership ten over ten,” he said, citing the sacrifices of uniformed officers.
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‎In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi thanked Tantita for the fully furnished facility and two Hilux operational vehicles. He announced that the structure has been named the “Nuhu Ribadu Hydrocarbon and Maritime Security Command and Control Centre.”
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‎Audi said the centre would be integrated with the Office of the National Security Adviser to strengthen coordination among security agencies. According to him, it will enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and inter-agency collaboration, particularly in hydrocarbon and maritime security.
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‎The structured data management and credible intelligence dissemination centre, he explained, are critical to national development. He expressed confidence that the new facility would significantly boost the corps’ operational capacity.
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‎Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Zuma Energy Power Ltd, Dr. Innocent Ezuma, announced the donation of an additional building for VIP protection services. Represented by Nwoko Alex, he said the facility would improve standards in safeguarding high-profile individuals while contributing to national security.
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‎He described the initiative as a global-standard addition to Nigeria’s security architecture as it would add confidence to strengthen investor confidence and economic growth.
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