Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Ports Authority has been crowned Outstanding Agency of the Year 2025 by Champions Newspaper at its annual awards ceremony held in Lagos.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Managing Director, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the honour affirms the Managing Director’s vigorous, reform-driven leadership and the agency’s steady march toward its vision of becoming Africa’s Maritime Logistics Hub for Sustainable Port Services.
Onyemekara also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, which he said has been central to NPA’s recent strides.
He outlined several milestones that earned the Authority the top industry recognition, including:
• Sustained port efficiencies which contributed to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surpluses of ₦7.5 trillion and ₦6.7 trillion in Q2 and Q3 2025, according to NBS and NESG reports—driven largely by exports through NPA-managed corridors.
• Successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on selling crude and petroleum products in Naira—saving billions in FOREX, improving energy security, strengthening the trade balance, and creating jobs.
• Completion of Nigeria’s membership in the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), clearing the path for full deployment of the National Single Window.
• Technical support that spurred a surge in trans-shipment volumes at Lekki Deep Seaport, enabling service to landlocked neighbours and reclaiming cargo previously lost to rival ports.
• Historic leadership breakthroughs, including the first election of a Nigerian agency since 1972 as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, with Dr. Dantsoho also heading PAPC, enhancing Nigeria’s maritime diplomacy and aiding its re-admission into IMO Category C.
“These achievements position the NPA to deliver transformative 2025 projects such as the $1 billion reconstruction of the Tincan Island Port Complex, rehabilitation of key port infrastructure, development of new deep seaports, and adoption of greener, eco-friendly operations,” Onyemekara said.
Champions Newspaper said the award celebrates the NPA’s pivotal role as a foremost trade-facilitation institution driving Nigeria’s economic growth through effective harnessing of the nation’s maritime resources.