Nigeria's Tin Can Island and Apapa ports have been ranked 10th and 12th respectively among the world's 20 most improved container ports, according to the World Bank's 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released in June 2026. The index evaluates global ports based on operational efficiency and performance metrics. This recognition reflects recent gains in turnaround time, cargo handling, and port management at the two major Lagos terminals.
Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), attributed the improvement to increased investment in port infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He cited modernization of port facilities and equipment as key drivers of the enhanced performance. Dantsoho also acknowledged the support of Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, in advancing reforms that boosted the competitiveness of Nigeria's seaports. The World Bank report does not rank ports by size or volume but by year-on-year improvements in efficiency.
The findings indicate that Nigeria's ports have made measurable progress compared to previous assessments, though the report does not provide historical rankings for direct comparison. No other Nigerian ports were listed in the top 20 most improved. The CPPI is an annual benchmark used by global shipping lines and trade agencies to assess port reliability and logistics performance.
The NPA credits President Tinubu's administration for port gains while the same facilities ranked poorly under his watch in earlier years. The World Bank index measures improvement, not overall performance, meaning past inefficiencies may still affect shipping costs. Traders at Apapa and Tin Can Island have previously reported congestion and delays, raising questions about how sustained the current gains are. The ranking reflects progress, but daily operations for importers and exporters will determine its real value.
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