President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, with the prestigious Award of “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness” at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), held on Sunday, 7th December 2025, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The NEAPS Award, a flagship presidential initiative coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), publicly honours public servants who have distinguished themselves through exceptional performance and service delivery. Dr. Dantsoho’s recognition is a testament to his transformative leadership and the remarkable strides recorded under his stewardship at the NPA.
Dr. Dantsoho earned the accolade based on a sterling performance scorecard that reflects sweeping reforms and operational enhancements across Nigeria’s port ecosystem. His leadership has driven efficiencies that contributed to the nation’s attainment of a trade surplus through unprecedented increases in exports.
Under his guidance, the NPA set the pace for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) by championing the Port Community System (PCS), which has significantly enhanced trade facilitation and transparency. His ability to galvanize global investor interest in the modernization of Nigeria’s port infrastructure and equipment further underscored his suitability for the award.
Dr. Dantsoho’s tenure has also amplified Nigeria’s influence within the global maritime community. This is evidenced by the country’s leadership of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA), his role as Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH), and the strategic support extended toward Nigeria’s successful re-enlistment into the influential Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These achievements, accomplished under the policy guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, signal Nigeria’s renewed presence and credibility on the international maritime stage.
The award presented by President Tinubu cements Dr. Dantsoho’s standing as a key driver of maritime sector growth, modernization, and global competitiveness. It also reinforces the administration’s commitment to recognizing public service excellence as a catalyst for national development.
