Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The management of Primetime Reporters, a publication of Chisann Communications, has announced the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as its Maritime Man of the Year 2026.

Dantsoho is expected to receive the award at the forthcoming Primetime Reporters Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled for October 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotels, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, commencing at 10:00 am

The event has as its theme: “Smarter Gateways, Greener Logistics: Leveraging Port Community System and National Single Window for Zero-Emission Trade.”

According to a statement by the organisers, the choice of NPA Managing Director was in recognition of his contributions to the transformation and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector since assuming office as head of the NPA.

“The nomination was particularly informed by Dantsoho’s commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the nation’s ageing port infrastructure, especially the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, as well as ongoing upgrades at the Rivers, Warri, Onne and Calabar Ports.

“These efforts have contributed to improving the competitiveness and performance of Nigeria’s seaports. The recent recognition of Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port, which were ranked 10th and 12th respectively among the world’s Top 20 Most Improved Container Ports over the last five years in the Container Port Performance Index published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence remain one of the manifestations of Dantsoho’s several reforms”, the statement read in part.

It was learnt that the selection committee took into consideration Dantsoho’s contributions to the digitalisation of port operations, improvement of operational efficiency, expansion of port capacity, promotion of non-oil exports, enhancement of regional maritime cooperation and effective traffic management around the ports.

Other areas considered, according to the statement include staff welfare and industrial harmony, increased revenue generation, development of new port infrastructure, promotion of environmentally sustainable port operations, encouragement of public-private partnerships, as well as his support to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in Nigeria’s successful re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, Council.

“The recognition was also aimed at celebrating Dantsoho’s achievements within a relatively short period in office and encouraging him to sustain the momentum. The award was also intended to serve as an encouragement to other public office holders to continue to render selfless and impactful service, as no good work goes unrewarded”, the statement further asserted.

The event is expected to attract senior government officials, industry leaders, regulators, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies, logistics practitioners, academics, journalists and other stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

The lecture and awards ceremony will be chaired by a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Temisan Omatseye.

The organisers urged government agencies, professional associations, corporate organisations, maritime stakeholders and individuals to partner with Primetime Reporters towards the successful hosting of the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards.

It was further learnt that partnership opportunities include advertisement placements in the event brochure and other event materials, sponsorship of the entire programme or specific segments, as well as other opportunities associated with the event.