Nigeria’s influence in global shipping is set to expand after Abubakar Dantsoho, head of the Nigerian Ports Authority, was elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours.
The vote in Tokyo underscores the growing weight of Africa’s biggest economy in international maritime policy, where decisions affect trade flows, customs rules and port sustainability standards. Dantsoho is the first Nigerian to secure such a role since the IAPH was founded in 1955.
His elevation comes as Nigeria’s ports register stronger trade performance. Non-oil exports climbed 19.6% in the first half of 2025 to $3.23 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Processing Council, while cargo volumes on NPA platforms rose to 4.04 million metric tonnes. Those gains helped the country post a trade surplus this year, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group said.
“This appointment reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development,” NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said Tuesday. IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi added: “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”
IAPH, headquartered in Tokyo, counts more than 190 ports and 167 maritime businesses across 89 countries as members. Collectively, they handle over 60% of global seaborne trade. The body works closely with the International Maritime Organisation and other UN agencies on port efficiency and decarbonisation policies.
Dantsoho, who earlier broke ground as the first Nigerian to chair the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, will now help shape global standards on issues ranging from digital trade corridors to resilient port infrastructure.
