A Leader Born of Destiny: The Abubakar Dantsoho Phenomenon

A Leader Born of Destiny: The Abubakar Dantsoho Phenomenon

By prince Benson Davies

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s appointment as the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on July 12, 2024, is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the maritime industry. Over three decades ago, Dantsoho joined the NPA as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1993, little knowing that he would one day lead the organization.

Today, Dantsoho is a highly respected figure in the maritime industry, with over 25 years of experience in ports management and operations, logistics, business and strategic planning, project management, and research. He holds a doctorate in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University and a Master’s in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales.

Dantsoho’s journey to the top of the NPA has been marked by significant milestones, including serving as Assistant General Manager, Port Manager (Onne Port), and in Tariff and Billing, as well as roles as Technical Assistant to the Managing Director of the NPA and Chief of Staff to the Minister of Transport.

As the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dantsoho is the first Nigerian to head the regional body since its formation in October 1972. His leadership and expertise have earned him recognition and respect in the maritime industry.

Under Dantsoho’s leadership, the NPA is expected to undergo significant transformation, leveraging his wealth of experience and commitment to innovation in Nigeria’s transport sector. As a leader who has traversed the entire length and breadth of the port industry, Dantsoho is well-equipped to drive the NPA’s growth and development.

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s leadership at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been marked by significant transformations, aimed at enhancing efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. Having joined the NPA in 1993 as a Youth Corps member, Dantsoho has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Nigeria’s port system from manual to digital.

Under his leadership, the NPA has embarked on an ambitious port infrastructural renewal and high-scale port automation and digitization across all locations. The reconstruction of the collapsed quay apron of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Apapa, is a testament to the NPA’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.

Dantsoho’s vision for Nigeria’s ports is centered around leveraging technology to drive efficiency and productivity. The implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) in affiliation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has provided the basis for Nigeria’s attainment of National Single Window (NSW) status, a game-changer for the efficiency and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s seaports.

As Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), Dantsoho is well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s ports towards global best practices. His leadership has earned recognition and respect in the maritime industry, and his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s ports is evident in the initiatives he has spearheaded.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has made significant strides in revamping and modernizing the Delta Ports Complex, comprising Warri and Koko Ports. Under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA has undertaken several initiatives to address the years of gross underutilization of the ports.

One of the notable initiatives is the dredging of the Escravos Channel, which has restored the navigational depth necessary for commercial confidence. The commissioning of the Escravos and Ramos Signal Stations has also introduced a modern vessel traffic management system, providing world-class oversight and safety for maritime traffic.

The NPA has also acquired a marine security vessel, SPB Likoro, to address security concerns and provide reassuring protection for shipping lines operating in the region. These physical transformations are underpinned by Dantsoho’s understanding and successful implementation of the Landlord Port Model, in line with the port concession agreement.

The results of these reforms are already manifesting, with operational statistics indicating that the ports handle an average of 45 vessels monthly. The waiting time for vessels has also reduced significantly, from 2.89 days to 1.99 days. The ports have also handled a total of 293,013 metric tonnes of cargo, accounting for over 10.7% of Nigeria’s total trade volume.

The NPA’s efforts have been recognized by maritime experts, who argue that the repositioning of Warri and Koko Ports marks a new paradigm in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The ports are no longer fallback options but front-runners in a diversified maritime network, enhancing national economic security by providing viable alternatives to the Lagos Ports hub.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has continued to make waves in the maritime industry, with its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, receiving a prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernisation and Global Port Competitiveness. The award was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 7, 2025, at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The award recognizes Dr. Dantsoho’s outstanding contributions to deepening port efficiency and catalyzing the attainment of national trade surplus through unprecedented growth in exports. The NPA’s reforms, led by Dr. Dantsoho, have also set the pace for the National Single Window (NSW) through the Port Community System (PCS), which has galvanized global investors’ interest in the modernization of Nigeria’s seaports’ infrastructure and equipment.

The Presidential Award is a testament to Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership and vision in transforming Nigeria’s seaports. Under his watch, the NPA has made significant strides in improving port efficiency, infrastructure, and competitiveness. The recognition of Dr. Dantsoho’s achievements is also reflected in Nigeria’s growing influence in the maritime industry, including the country’s election to the presidency of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

Dr. Dantsoho’s reaction to the award was one of humility and commitment to working smarter. He noted that the recognition serves as a springboard for him to continue driving the NPA’s mission to excellence.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is poised to transform the country’s seaports into efficient and globally competitive hubs. According to the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA management is committed to repositioning the nation’s seaports to take advantage of the intra-African trade expected to increase with the coming into operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Addressing stakeholders at a Maritime and Logistics event hosted by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Dantsoho noted that the NPA is taking steps to improve the competitive strategy of the nation’s seaports to stay ahead of neighboring rival seaports. The theme of the event was “Improving the competitiveness of the Nigeria’s seaports in an era of regional integration”.

Dantsoho emphasized that the collapse of trade barriers across Africa would significantly increase intra-African trade, and it is imperative that Nigeria’s seaports are repositioned to be competitive. The NPA’s vision is to be the Maritime Logistics Hub for sustainable port services in Africa.

The NPA boss highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration among all players in the port system to achieve competitiveness and efficiency. He noted that port cost is a significant component of freight cost, which ultimately affects the prices of goods in the market.

Dantsoho’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s seaports is evident in his energy and dedication to the task. With the support of every stakeholder in the supply chain, the NPA can achieve its vision of becoming a maritime logistics hub in Africa.