Nigeria’s Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port Complex (Lagos Port) have earned global recognition for significant operational improvements, ranking among the world’s top 20 most improved container ports over the past five years.
According to the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, Tin Can Island Port secured the 10th position, while Apapa Port ranked 12th globally in terms of performance gains between 2020 and 2025.
Impressive Score Improvements
The report highlighted substantial progress at both ports. Tin Can Island Port improved its CPPI score by 42 points, moving from -68 in 2020 to -26 in 2025. Apapa Port recorded a 35-point gain, rising from -61 to -26 over the same period.
These advancements reflect better vessel turnaround times, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved cargo handling capabilities, positioning Nigeria’s key ports as notable performers on the global stage.
Nigeria outperformed several major international ports in the improvement rankings, including Marseille in France (11th), Iskenderun in Türkiye (13th), Jawaharlal Nehru in India (14th), Paita in Peru (15th), and ports in China’s Keelung and Fuzhou.
Positive Momentum for Trade
The strong showing comes as Nigeria continues to record impressive trade surpluses, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a surplus of N7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.
Reacting to the World Bank ranking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, expressed optimism about the future of the nation’s ports.
“With the investor-friendliness of President Bola Tinubu providing the gravitas needed for increased investment to implement our port infrastructure and equipment modernisation drive, coupled with the unflinching support from the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to advance the fortunes of trade and boost the national economy,” he said.
The improved performance of Tin Can and Apapa ports is expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade, reduce delays for importers and exporters, and support broader economic growth objectives. Industry stakeholders view this as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
