Dantsoho Elected Vice-President of International Ports Association
Tokyo, Japan – August 27, 2025 – The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
The election, which took place during the association’s meeting in Tokyo, makes Dr. Dantsoho the first Nigerian to hold the position since the body was established in 1955. The IAPH represents over 190 ports and 167 allied businesses in 89 countries, collectively handling more than 60 percent of global seaborne trade.
According to the NPA, the new role provides Nigeria with a stronger platform to participate in international maritime policy and decision-making.
The Secretary-General of the IAPH, Masahiko Furuichi, welcomed Dantsoho’s election and pledged closer cooperation with Africa’s ports under his leadership.
In Nigeria, the development has been met with commendations. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the election as recognition of the country’s port reforms and its expanding blue economy. President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the NPA chief, stating that the achievement aligns with Nigeria’s economic targets, including the drive to build a $1-trillion economy by 2030.
Under Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership, the NPA has recorded growth in export performance. Data from the first half of 2025 shows non-oil exports rose by 19.6 percent to $3.23 billion, while overall cargo throughput reached 4.04 million metric tonnes.
Dantsoho will serve a two-year term as Vice-President for Africa in the IAPH, representing the continent’s ports and strengthening collaboration with international maritime stakeholders.
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