The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been conferred with the prestigious Award of “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness” at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The high-profile award ceremony, a flagship national initiative coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), celebrates outstanding public servants who have demonstrated exceptional performance and contribution to national development.
Dr. Dantsoho’s recognition comes on the strength of his transformative reforms at the NPA, which have significantly enhanced operational efficiency across Nigerian ports.
Under his leadership, the Authority recorded major milestones, notably contributing to the country’s attainment of a national trade surplus driven by unprecedented growth in exports.
He also set a new benchmark for digital integration in port operations through the advancement of the Port Community System (PCS), which is laying the foundation for the National Single Window (NSW), a key enabler of seamless trade facilitation.
Additionally, Dr. Dantsoho has been instrumental in attracting increased global investor interest in the modernization of Nigeria’s ports, infrastructure, and operational equipment, positioning the country as a competitive maritime hub.
The NPA Managing Director was further commended for strengthening Nigeria’s influence in the global maritime community.
His leadership has contributed to Nigeria’s active roles on the international stage, including the country’s presidency of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA) and the vice-presidency of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH).
His stewardship also supported the successful re-election of Nigeria into the influential Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), working closely with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The NEAPS Award underscores Dr. Dantsoho’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s port ecosystem and driving reforms that enhance global competitiveness, improve trade efficiency, and reinforce Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime sector.