Nigerian Ports Authority
NPA
About
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is a federal government agency that governs and operates the ports of Nigeria. It manages major ports including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, Calabar Port, Delta Port, Rivers Port at Port Harcourt, and Onne Port. Its head office is located in Marina, Lagos. The NPA works in affiliation with the Presidency of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers' Council. Since 2005, parts of the port system have been concessioned to private operators under a federal government programme aimed at improving efficiency through public and private partnership, with the NPA acting as landlord.
History
The Nigerian Ports Authority started operating in April 1955 following the implementation of the Ports Act of 1954. Initially it managed only the Lagos and Port Harcourt ports, while private companies managed the remaining ports. In 1969 a new decree added Burutu, Calabar and Warri ports to its jurisdiction. In 1973 the corporation entered into an agreement with the World Bank to finance expansion of port facilities. In the mid-1970s, the 'cement armada' crisis led to severe congestion at the Lagos port, prompting the hasty construction of Tin Can Island Port, which was commissioned in 1977. The government then accelerated expansion of port facilities. During the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, a ports reform programme led to the concessioning of about 24 terminals to private operators for set periods, with the NPA continuing as landlord and providing common user facilities and technical oversight.
Key Facts
Established
1954
Headquarters
Nigerian Ports Authority, 26/28 Marina, Lagos.
Managing Director
Abubakar Dantsoho
Abbreviation
NPA
Website
nigerianports.gov.ng