The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to commence a $1 billion reconstruction of key Nigerian ports including Apapa, Tincan Island, Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt, following approval from President Bola Tinubu. Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this on the sidelines of the World Ports Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) in Kobe, Japan.

Speaking to newsmen, Dantsoho said rehabilitation works are slated to start in the first quarter of 2026 after completion of engineering, environmental, and design studies, targeting a 48-month delivery period. “Construction of this massive nature takes a lot of time to prepare… We’re hoping that by the first quarter of next year, we commence the construction,” he stated.

According to Dantsoho, the ports reconstruction forms part of the federal government’s strategy to modernize Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and boost the sector’s global competitiveness. “The government sees the maritime sector as a key driver of its $1 trillion economy ambition,” he said, applauding Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support.

Dantsoho, also IAPH Vice President for Africa, stressed Nigeria’s pursuit of collaborations to attract investors, noting trust and relationships are critical. “What has happened is the absence of concrete trust and relationship for so many years… What we need is collaboration,” he said. He highlighted a contract awarded to a Singaporean company for Nigeria’s national single window system, underscoring foreign partnership interests.

He emphasized port development’s capital-intensive nature necessitates foreign investment. “Nigeria does not have enough money within our own country to build these massive things. But we are attracting investors now… People can only come and give you money if they know they can recoup,” Dantsoho explained.

With global shifts toward automation and technology in shipping, Dantsoho stressed Nigeria must invest in port tech advancements. “The world has moved from manual labour… They are talking about automated ships… Nigeria must invest heavily in technology and automation across all its seaports,” he noted.

Dantsoho expressed optimism on Tinubu’s economic reforms spurring massive investments in Nigeria’s maritime sector, positioning the economy for growth. Nigeria’s membership in regional and global maritime bodies like PMAWCA, IAPH, and IMO aids relationship-building with international partners, he added.