Nigeria’s maritime sector has received a significant boost after the World Bank listed the Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s 20 most improved ports in its latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
The 2025 CPPI report, released in June 2026, highlighted the two Lagos ports for notable gains in vessel turnaround time, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The index is a global benchmark used to assess how quickly and effectively ports handle cargo and ship operations.
According to the report, the improvement reflects ongoing reforms and modernisation efforts within Nigeria’s port system, particularly under the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has pushed initiatives aimed at reducing delays and improving service delivery.
Industry stakeholders say the recognition signals progress in efforts to make Nigeria’s ports more competitive in global shipping and trade logistics.The improved ranking also comes amid reports of stronger trade performance, with Nigeria recording a ₦7.54 trillion trade surplus in Q1 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Analysts link this growth partly to improved port efficiency and increased export activity.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, credited government policies and support from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for driving reforms in the sector. He said ongoing investments in infrastructure and modernisation are improving trade facilitation and boosting economic competitiveness.
The inclusion of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in the global improvement ranking is seen as a milestone for Nigeria’s maritime industry, which has been undergoing reforms to strengthen its role as a regional trade hub.
The World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index remains a key global reference for evaluating port efficiency and identifying areas for further improvement across countries.
