Nigeria’s major seaports are gaining global recognition after the World Bank ranked Tin Can Island Port and Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) among the world’s most improved container ports over the last five years.
The ranking, contained in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, highlights significant progress in operational efficiency, vessel turnaround time, and cargo handling at both ports.
According to the report, compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, Tin Can Island Port emerged as the 10th most improved container port globally, while Apapa Port secured the 12th position among ports that recorded the biggest performance gains between 2020 and 2025.
The CPPI is widely regarded as one of the most important benchmarks for measuring port efficiency worldwide. It evaluates how quickly ships are serviced and how effectively cargo operations are handled compared to international standards.
Data from the report revealed that Tin Can Island Port improved its performance score by 42 points, moving from -68 in 2020 to -26 in 2025.
Similarly, Apapa Port recorded a 35-point improvement, climbing from -61 in 2020 to -26 in 2025.
The achievement places Nigeria ahead of several major international ports, including France’s Marseille Port, Türkiye’s Iskenderun Port, and India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port in terms of performance improvement during the review period.
The latest recognition comes at a time when Nigeria is also recording positive trade figures. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country posted a trade surplus of N7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, signaling growing economic activity and increased trade flows.
Reacting to the development, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the ranking as a reflection of ongoing reforms and investments in the maritime sector.
According to him, the federal government’s drive to modernise port infrastructure and equipment is helping to improve efficiency and attract more investment into Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
Dantsoho expressed confidence that continued support from the government and stakeholders would further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key maritime hub in Africa.
The World Bank recognition is expected to boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s port system and reinforce ongoing efforts to improve trade facilitation, reduce cargo delays, and enhance competitiveness within the global shipping industry.
As maritime reforms continue, industry observers believe the improved rankings could encourage more international shipping companies and investors to do business through Nigerian ports.
Source: World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025
