The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Abubakar Dantsoho, has disclosed that the authority is projecting a revenue increase of N1,279,894,610,343 this year, representing a 40 per cent increase from the N894,864,254,591 it realized last year.
This ambitious target, according to Dantsosho said, is anchored on modernization efforts, the full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine operations, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to enhance port efficiency.
The NPA Boss made this disclosure in a presentation during a budget defence session with the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours on Monday, 23 June,2025, just as he aolso defended the agency’s 2025 budget estimates and provided insights into its 2024 performance.
“Our 2025 budget proposal is more than figures, it reflects our aspirations for a more efficient, globally competitive port system,” Dantsoho told lawmakers, adding that over 70 per cent of the proposed expenditure will go into capital projects.
For 2024, the Authority surpassed its revenue target of N865.39 billion, posting an actual realization of N894.86 billion.
However, Dantsoho revealed that only N417.86 billion, less than half of the approved N850.92 billion expenditure, had been spent as of the time of reporting.
Despite this, according to him, NPA made a record contribution of N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the N213.23 billion remitted in 2023. Of this amount, a staggering N344.7 billion was deducted at source.
“This shows our unwavering commitment to national revenue generation, even when our own operational liquidity is affected,” the NPA boss said
He added that the projected revenue increase is premised on several key assumptions and developments, including: the full operation of the Dangote Refinery, which alone is expected to draw in over 600 vessels annually through its Single Point Mooring (SPM) system; the commissioning of upgraded terminals at WACT and OMT, which will enhance container traffic; the implementation of automation tools such as the National Single Window, Port Community System (PCS), and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); and increased cargo volumes stemming from global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has affected global trade routes.
Dantsoho said the 2025 revenue is expected to come from Ship Dues, N544.06 billion; Cargo Dues, N413.06 billion; Concession Fees, N249.69 billion; and Administrative Revenue, ₦73.07 billion
Of the proposed N1.14 trillion total expenditure for this year, N778.46 billion is earmarked for capital projects, he said, adding this investmentwill target the revitalization of critical infrastructure, including the Calabar, Warri, and Burutu ports and channels, and enhance towage services, channel depth, and compliance with international security conventions.
“Investments in infrastructure and technology are non-negotiable if we are to stay competitive regionally and globally,” Dantsoho emphasized, just as he also cited increasing competition from neighboring ports and aging assets across Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
According to him, the authority also intends to address technology gaps by upgrading legacy systems and bolstering cybersecurity, ensuring Nigerian ports meet global standards for digital operations.
“We can say that with timely access to internally generated revenue and capital funds NPA would deliver the kind of impact Nigeria expects,” he said.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, urged the NPA to ramp up performance, improve port infrastructure, and play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s revenue and unemployment challenges.
Nnaji, who said the ports remain a critical pillar of Nigeria, and urged the agency to meet rising expectations despite operational challenges, added that the ports remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, and urged the agency to meet rising expectations despite operational challenges.
“No country can thrive economically without high-performing ports. They are the economic heartbeat of every nation, determining how buoyant a country is through the flow of imports and exports,” he said.
Nnaji showered praise on the NPA for its performance, just as he also stressed that the NPA’s performance has implications beyond maritime activity.
He noted that increased port output can significantly boost job creation across several sectors.
“The NPA is not just a revenue-generating agency; it is a national asset in terms of employment and economic impact.
“We expect to see detailed strategies on how to improve revenue generation and expand employment opportunities through your 2025 budget,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed to growing interest in the development of new ports across the country but cautioned against neglecting existing port infrastructure.
“As we welcome investment in new ports, we must not abandon the old ones. Maintaining and upgrading our existing ports, both in the Eastern Corridor and the Western axis, is essential to long-term sustainability,” he added.
The Committee called for a clear outline from the NPA on how its 2025 financial plan will address pressing national concerns and reaffirm Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global maritime trade.
