NPA’s Dantsoho Elected Vice-President for Africa at IAPH

Nigeria has gained a stronger foothold in international maritime affairs with the election of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH).

The election, which took place in Tokyo, marks another career milestone for Dantsoho, who previously became the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) since its creation in 1972.

Confirming the win, NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the appointment reflects growing international recognition of Nigeria’s role in maritime development.

IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi also welcomed the election, saying: “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”

Dantsoho’s tenure at the NPA has been marked by operational improvements that boosted non-oil exports and strengthened Nigeria’s trade balance:

• Non-oil exports surged 19.59% in H1 2025, reaching $3.225 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC).

• Export volumes on NPA platforms rose to 4.04 million metric tonnes.

• The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) noted that these gains helped Nigeria achieve a trade surplus for the first time in years.

The International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH), founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, is a global body representing nearly 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries.

Together, its members handle more than 60% of global container and maritime trade, working closely with the United Nations, the World Customs Organization, and the International Maritime Organization to shape global port and marine policies.

Dantsoho’s elevation strengthens Nigeria’s voice in trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growthdiscussions. It also positions the country at the heart of shaping international maritime policy at a time when global shipping is undergoing rapid transformation.