World Bank ranks Nigeria Ports Performance Ranking highly as Apapa and Tin Can ports enter global top 20 for major operational improvement

The World Bank Group, in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence, has ranked Nigeria’s Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s top 20 most improved container ports in its Container Port Performance Index 2025, released on Monday.

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The World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) placed the two Lagos-based gateways within the elite group of ports that recorded the strongest operational gains between 2020 and 2025. The latest assessment highlights significant progress in vessel turnaround time and cargo handling efficiency across global maritime hubs.

According to the report, Tin Can Island Port ranked 10th globally in terms of improvement, while Apapa Port Complex followed closely in 12th position. Both ports recorded notable gains in efficiency scores, reflecting sustained reforms within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Tin Can Island Port improved its CPPI score by 42 points, moving from -68 in 2020 to -26 in 2025. Apapa Port also recorded a 35-point rise over the same period, signalling stronger operational coordination and reduced vessel delays.

The World Bank noted that the index measures container port efficiency using globally benchmarked indicators, including time spent by vessels in port and overall terminal performance.

The findings place Nigeria among a select group of countries achieving measurable improvements in port competitiveness.

Other ports featured in the top 20 improvement list include Marseille in France, Iskenderun in Türkiye, Jawaharlal Nehru Port in India, and Keelung and Fuzhou ports in China.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, described the development as evidence of ongoing reforms supported by government policy and investment in infrastructure modernisation.

He said the administration’s focus on trade facilitation and port efficiency has strengthened investor confidence and improved operational outcomes across key terminals.

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The World Bank report further noted that improved port performance remains critical to global trade competitiveness, particularly for emerging economies seeking to expand export capacity and reduce logistics bottlenecks.