The National Coalition for Transformative Reforms (NCTR) has commended the Federal Government and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, over the ongoing $1 billion seaport reconstruction programme, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria's maritime sector and enhancing regional trade.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the coalition's Executive Director, Dr. Richard Ocheje, said the project reflects the Federal Government's commitment to modernising critical port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and supporting economic diversification.
The reconstruction programme covers five major seaports—Apapa, Tin Can Island, Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt/Onne—and is expected to be completed within 48 months.
According to Ocheje, the rehabilitation will increase cargo handling capacity, reduce port congestion and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within the West and Central African maritime corridor.
He also commended Dantsoho's leadership of the NPA, noting that the agency has recorded significant reforms since his appointment in 2024.
"The MD has within a short time given the NPA a brand new image. As a regulator, the agency has left no one in doubt that the man in charge is a square peg in a square hole," Ocheje said.
The coalition further welcomed the £746 million financing agreement secured from the United Kingdom in March 2026 for the upgrade and modernisation of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port, describing it as another milestone in the Federal Government's infrastructure renewal drive.
It also praised the government's ongoing development and certification of five new deep seaports in Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny, saying the projects would expand Nigeria's cargo handling capacity and attract greater private sector investment.
Ocheje further lauded the Federal Government's digital transformation initiatives in the maritime sector, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window platform, which he said would simplify cargo clearance procedures, reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.
He also welcomed the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by the National Assembly, noting that the proposed legislation would strengthen regulation, promote transparency and improve service delivery across the nation's ports.
The coalition expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure upgrades, digital reforms and improved regulatory oversight would enhance the ease of doing business, boost non-oil revenue, create jobs and reinforce Nigeria's position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
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