The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a revenue target of N1.28 trillion for 2025. This is a significant increase from the N894.86 billion it generated in 2024. The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, during the agency’s 2025 budget defence session at the House of Representatives in Abuja on Monday.
Mr. Dantsoho told lawmakers that the new revenue target is part of the NPA’s broader vision to build a more productive and competitive port system. He said over 70 per cent of the proposed 2025 spending will be committed to capital projects that will modernise infrastructure, boost digitalisation, and improve operational efficiency at Nigeria’s ports.
In the 2024 financial year, the NPA exceeded its revenue goal of N865.39 billion, collecting a total of N894.86 billion. Despite this, only N417.86 billion out of the approved N850.92 billion expenditure plan was utilised. Still, the NPA made a strong contribution to the nation’s coffers by remitting N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, almost doubling the N213.23 billion remitted in 2023. Out of the 2024 remittance, N344.7 billion was deducted directly at source.
“This shows our strong commitment to the federal government’s revenue drive, even when it affects our own operational funds,” Dantsoho told the House Committee on Ports and Harbours. He added that the 2025 revenue projection is anchored on several important developments in the maritime sector.
Among the key drivers is the expected full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring system. This system is projected to handle over 600 vessels per year and is expected to significantly boost marine traffic and revenue. Other contributing factors include the operational upgrades of key terminals such as the West Africa Container Terminal and the Onne Multipurpose Terminal.
Dantsoho also cited the roll-out of modern digital systems at Nigerian ports as a major step forward. These include the Port Community System, the National Single Window platform, and the Vessel Traffic Management System. He said these technologies will make port operations more transparent, faster, and more efficient.
He also noted that global events such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have created new trade routes and opportunities, which could result in an increase in cargo volumes handled by Nigerian ports.
A detailed breakdown of the N1.28 trillion revenue target for 2025 includes N544.06 billion from ship dues, N413.06 billion from cargo dues, N249.69 billion in concession fees, and N73.07 billion from administrative revenue.
On the expenditure side, the NPA plans to spend N1.14 trillion in 2025, with N778.46 billion set aside for capital development. Dantsoho explained that these investments are necessary to keep Nigeria’s ports competitive, especially against newer and better-equipped ports in neighbouring West African countries.
“We must keep investing in our infrastructure and embrace modern technology to avoid losing business to regional competitors,” he said. He added that the NPA is also planning to upgrade its internal systems and strengthen its cybersecurity defences to meet global standards.
He expressed confidence that with timely access to its internally generated revenue, the NPA can achieve its goals and meet national expectations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Ports and Harbours, Mr. Nnolim Nnaji, praised the NPA’s performance and encouraged the agency to do more, especially in the area of infrastructure improvement.
“Ports are critical to a country’s economy. They affect trade flows, job creation, and economic growth. While we’re happy with the development of new ports, we must not forget the older ones. Upgrading these legacy ports—especially in the Eastern and Western corridors—is essential for long-term sustainability,” Nnaji said.
The NPA’s 2025 strategy shows a strong focus on modernisation, revenue expansion, and infrastructure growth. If the plans are fully implemented, Nigerian ports could become more efficient, competitive, and attractive for both local and international maritime operators.
