Nigeria’s Dantsoho Elected IAPH Vice-President for Africa, Strengthening Maritime Leadership
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has obtained another historic milestone as he was elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) in Tokyo. PulseNets learnt that this victory further underscores Nigeria’s rising influence in global maritime governance.
This election adds to Dantsoho’s growing list of firsts. He had earlier made history as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) since its founding in 1972.
Confirming the development, NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara told PulseNets that “the appointment is a strong testament to international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership role in global maritime development.”
On his part, IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi, in a note shared with PulseNets, stated, “I am truly delighted to collaborate with you at IAPH in the years ahead.”
Dantsoho Operational Gains Driving Nigeria’s Trade Strength
Dantsoho’s tenure at the NPA has been defined by reforms that delivered clear operational improvements. PulseNets reported that non-oil exports grew by 19.59 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching $3.225 billion, according to data from the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC). Export volumes through NPA-managed platforms also increased to 4.04 million metric tonnes.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) credited these gains with helping Nigeria record a trade surplus for the first time in years, marking a turnaround in the country’s external trade performance.
IAPH and Global Maritime Policy
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Tokyo, the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) brings together more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries. Collectively, IAPH members oversee more than 60 percent of global seaborne trade and container traffic.
The body is widely recognised for shaping international maritime policy in close collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the United Nations system.
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With Dantsoho’s election, Nigeria’s voice now carries greater weight in global port debates, especially on issues of trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth in maritime operations.
Industry experts who spoke to PulseNets believe the achievement reflects a broader narrative of Nigeria repositioning itself as a leader in African maritime affairs, capable of influencing global trade discussions from the heart of the continent.
