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Nigeria’s Dr Dantsoho Takes IAPH Vice Presidency, Boosting Global Maritime Influence
By Our Correspondent
Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH). This election in Tokyo, Japan boosts Nigeria’s influence in global maritime affairs. Dantsoho previously led the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa – a first for a Nigerian.
NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the appointment shows international recognition of Nigeria’s maritime leadership. IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi welcomed Dantsoho, looking forward to working together.
Under Dantsoho’s leadership, NPA saw major gains like a 19.59% rise in non-oil exports to $3.225 billion in H1 2025. Export volumes on NPA platforms hit 4.04 million metric tonnes. Nigeria even achieved a trade surplus, according to NESG.
IAPH’s a global alliance of 190+ ports and 167 port-related businesses in 89 countries. Members handle 60%+ of world seaborne trade. Dantsoho’s elevation puts Nigeria at the heart of global port policy debates.
