About Us

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is a federal government agency responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of the major ports in Nigeria. The ports under its supervision include:

  • Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos State
  • Calabar Port Complex in Cross River State
  • Delta Ports in Warri, Delta State
  • Rivers Port Complex and Onne Port Complex in Rivers State

NPA operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and works in collaboration with other government agencies to ensure smooth port operations, enhance trade, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. Through these efforts, NPA plays a crucial role in facilitating the import and export of goods, improving infrastructure, and advancing the maritime industry in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime industry, serving as the primary agency responsible for the management of the country’s ports. Established in 1954, the NPA has played a vital role in facilitating maritime trade, ensuring efficient port operations, and fostering economic development across the nation.

At the heart of its mission is the efficient and effective management of Nigeria’s ports, ensuring they remain competitive on the global stage. The NPA oversees the operations of various ports scattered along Nigeria’s extensive coastline, including Lagos Port Complex, Port Harcourt Port Complex, Calabar Port, Onne Port Complex, and others. These ports serve as crucial gateways for imports and exports, handling a diverse range of cargo, including petroleum products, solid minerals, agricultural produce, and manufactured goods.

One of the key functions of the NPA is to provide and maintain port infrastructure and facilities. This includes berths, quays, cargo handling equipment, warehouses, and other essential amenities necessary for smooth port operations. By investing in modern infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies, the NPA aims to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and attract more shipping traffic to Nigerian ports.

In addition to infrastructure development, the NPA is responsible for implementing and enforcing port regulations and standards to ensure compliance with international best practices and safety protocols. This includes measures to prevent pollution, maintain security, and facilitate seamless cargo clearance processes. By upholding high standards of operation and safety, the NPA fosters trust and confidence among port users, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, and importers/exporters.

In recent years, the NPA has embarked on various initiatives to modernize and transform Nigeria’s ports into world-class maritime hubs. This includes the implementation of electronic cargo tracking systems, automation of port operations, and the development of multi-modal transportation networks to improve connectivity with hinterland regions. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and attracting investment in the maritime sector.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY HQTRS (NPA)

Port operations and development in Nigeria began in the middle of the 19th century. The effort towards the provision of facilities for ocean going vessels started with the opening of Lagos Lagoon in the early 1909. The Apapa Port in the South West was earmarked for development in 1913 and construction of the first four deep water berths of 548.64m at the port began in 1921

The Port of Port Harcourt was conceptualized on discovery of coal at Enugu and was subsequently opened for the business in 1913. The completion of the railway line in Enugu in 1916 resulted in the development of four 1920 feet long berths at Port Harcourt to expedite the exploitation and eventual exportation of coal on one hand and the support of importation of goods on the other hand. The Nigerian Port Authority was established as a continuous Public Corporation by the Ports Act of 1954 to address the institutional weakness that bordered on lack of coherent policy framework as ports development were done on adhoc basis driven by changes on the level and demand of sea-borne trade.

In 2003, the Federal Government of Nigeria initiated the drive towards improving efficiency at out Ports, and the landlord model was adopted for all the Nigerian Ports. This gave rise to the concession of 25 Terminals to private Terminal Operators with lease agreement ranging from 10-25 years. One of the concessions was a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement. Also in the process of reorganizing the ports, the former eight (8) ports were reduced to six (6) major ports, with two (2) ports in Lagos and four (4)in the east namely; Lagos Port Complex, Tin Can-Island Port Complex, Calabar Port, Rivers Ports, Onne Ports Complex and Delta Ports Complex respectively.

In line with the reform programme, the transaction commenced with the advertisement for Expression of Interest on the 3rd of December, 2003, by the National Council on Privatization with the Bureau of Public Enterprise acting as the transaction agent. A total of 110 EOIs were harvested out of which only 94 were pre-qualified.
Pre-bid conferences, Data room and physical due diligence were also done and request for proposals sent out to bidders. Technical bids were submitted and evaluated; the financial offers were also opened to determine the successful bidders.

All the successful bidders negotiated their concession agreements with a Public Sector Team made up of Nigerian Ports Authority and the Bureau of Public Enterprise. Successfully negotiated agreements were signed. Transition programme initiated preparatory to handing over. Under this new arrangement the Authority ceded some of her functions and responsibilities to the Private Sector.

VISION

To Be The Maritime Logistics Hub For Sustainable Port Services In Africa

MISSION

To Deliver Efficient Port Services in a Safe, Secure and Customer-friendly Environment

CORE ESSENCE

A National Brand Asset Anchored on Service Excellence

CORE VALUES

Efficiency, Customer Satisfaction,  Security,  Collaboration,  Innovation,  Safety,  Integrity

STATUTORY DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY (NPA)

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) plays a critical role in Nigeria’s maritime sector, overseeing the development, operation, and management of the country’s major ports. The core duties and responsibilities of NPA are as follows:

  1. Port Development and Operations: NPA is tasked with the development, ownership, and operation of ports and harbors across Nigeria. This includes ensuring that ports are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to handle both import and export activities efficiently.
  2. Safe and Navigable Channels: NPA is responsible for maintaining safe, navigable waterways, ensuring vessels can enter and leave Nigerian ports without hindrance. This includes conducting regular hydrographic surveys and managing marine operations.
  3. Cargo Handling and Storage Services: The authority provides comprehensive cargo handling, warehousing, and storage services, which are vital for the smooth flow of goods through Nigerian ports.
  4. Maintenance of Port Facilities and Equipment: NPA ensures that all port facilities and operational equipment are regularly maintained to ensure optimal performance and minimize disruptions.
  5. Safety and Security: NPA enforces strict safety and security measures at all ports, ensuring the protection of property, cargo, and personnel. The authority is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  6. Property Development and Management: NPA owns and manages land and water within port limits, facilitating the development of both the port infrastructure and surrounding areas to support maritime activities.

REFORM EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PORT EFFICIENCY

Historically, Nigeria’s ports faced challenges, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, which hindered development and reduced competitiveness. The Nigerian government sought to address these issues through a series of reform initiatives. In 2003, the National Council on Privatization began the process of privatizing and commercializing certain port functions, which was aimed at fostering a more responsive and private-sector-driven maritime economy.

The reform included a series of Expression of Interest (EOI) advertisements, followed by pre-bid conferences and technical evaluations, leading to the successful negotiation of concession agreements. These reforms resulted in a clear division of responsibilities between the public and private sectors in port operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS

Under the new arrangement, NPA’s role includes:
  • Ownership and administration of port land and water.
  • Planning and development of port infrastructure.
  • Leasing and concessioning of port facilities and setting tariffs.
  • Hydrographic surveys and nautical operations.
  • Safety and security of common-use areas.
  • Regulation and enforcement of port operations.
The Private Sector takes charge of:
  • Cargo handling, stevedoring, and warehousing.
  • Equipment acquisition for cargo handling operations.
  • Development and maintenance of port superstructure.
  • Safety and security within private terminals.
The Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is responsible for:
  • Policy formulation for marine infrastructure.
  • Legislation at the national level.
  • International maritime relations.

Through these reforms, NPA aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade, and ensure sustainable growth in the maritime industry.

SUMMARY

the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has evolved to become a central figure in the management and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector. Through its statutory duties, NPA ensures the efficient operation of Nigeria’s ports, including overseeing port facilities, maintaining safe navigable channels, and providing essential cargo handling and storage services. While the public sector retains key regulatory and infrastructure development functions, the privatization reforms have enabled greater involvement of the private sector in operations, leading to improved efficiency.

The ongoing reforms, which include strategic partnerships and the commercialization of certain port functions, aim to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports, drive economic growth, and align with international best practices. These efforts are crucial in positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade, ensuring that its ports remain modern, safe, and capable of supporting the country’s economic ambitions. With continued investments in infrastructure, regulation, and collaboration with private stakeholders, NPA is poised to further bolster Nigeria’s maritime sector for the benefit of national and international trade.