Sustainability, Efficiency, Competitiveness: A Search For A Comparative Advantage In Nigerian Ports
By Kingsley Anaroke
Sustainability is a key business performance driver and environmental management initiative that propels economic growth, reduces costs while enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in alignment with the International Maritime Organization(IMO) standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Most competition and efficiency-driven ports in the world have varying sustainability ratings with some making significant strides in digitalisation and environmental management.
Since assuming office on July 22,2024, following his appointment as the managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 11, 2024, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho-led leadership has been transformative, focusing on modernisation, efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability.
While there is no defined written sustainability policy in the marine and blue economy governance framework in Nigeria yet, Dantsoho-led leadership in NPA has initiated efforts to develop one, prioritizing reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices in ports operations.
His ambitious sustainability goals was informed by the realization that it does not only drive port efficiency and competitiveness variables in modern ports administration but it’s essentially about balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
It could be the reason many efficiency and competition-conscious ports across the world are exploring digitalisation and innovation to support and scale their sustainability objectives.
What then are the Sustainability, Efficiency and Competitiveness (SEC) footprints of Nigerian Ports under Dantsoho?
These three factors are interconnected. Efficient ports are more competitive, attracting business and investment; sustainable ports appeal to environmentally- conscious clients and investors; and efficient operations often lead to reduced environmental impact.
For clarity, practical examples abound, globally.In Nigeria, Dantsoho stated, last year, that NPA had concluded plans to launch the Port Community System(PCS) in the first quarter of 2026 to improve intermodal connectivity, to reduce reliance on road transport, cut emissions, go paperless, and boost operational efficiency, leveraging technology to scale impact.
The Port of Singapore leveraged digitalisation and green initiative to become efficient, sustainable and competitive.
The Port of Rotterdam focuses on sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness through innovation and infrastructure.
Dantsoho’s SEC footprints resonate with the Federal Government’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, which is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s value propositions.
What could be described as NPA’s flagship sustainability direction is the adoption of Green Bunker initiative which refers to the use of cleaner and eco-friendly fuels or energy sources for ships anchored in ports. It is aimed at reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other negative environmental impacts related to traditional marine fuels.
On renewable energy, with plans to electrify key terminals, integrating renewal energy and promote eco-friendly practices, APM Terminals has invested $115 million in upgrading the West Africa Container Terminal at Onne Port, with a Solar Lease Agreement and Starsight Energy to provide 1.2 gigawatt hours of solar electricity annually for 15 years.
NPA has also launched a 5G-Enabled Smart-Port Corridor in Lagos, leveraging ultra-low latency and high device density to overhaul cargo processing and logistics operations.
The Authority is implementing shore-to-ship emission reduction,billed to commence with Lekki Port, to minimize environmental impacts. The first of its kind in West Africa.
The Port Community System(PCS), a brain-child of NPA set for activation this Q1 2026 and the National Single Window(NSW) initiative are a revolution in digitalisation that enables paperless transactions, reduces waste, cut costs and improve efficiency.
Propelled by the enabling environment, APM Terminals is introducing electric cargo equipment and vehicles to reduce emissions.
In line with the global standards for Port Sustainability initiatives which are guided by various international frameworks and certification, Nigeria has put in place an Emissions Monitoring System(EMS) which tracks vessel emissions in real-time.
The introduction of e-tag verification at Lagos Port Complex to improve traffic and control access, joint boarding apps, and electronic send systems to reduce cargo dwell time and turnaround time, are further demonstration of NPA’s commitment to enthrone a sustainable, efficient and competitive ports.
Determined to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint by 20% by 2030 through the port, the management of NPA recently issued warning letters to terminal operators breaching environmental regulations, emphasizing clean terminals and compliance.
In response, APM Terminals,Apapa, partnered GIVO to launch a zero-carbon recycling hub, to recycle 300kg of waste daily and creating job opportunities in the process.
With the abundant x-ray of the SEC footprints of Nigerian ports engineered by the focused leadership of Dantsoho-led management at NPA, Nigeria could be said to have joined the League of ports in Africa working assiduously towards improving their sustainability and environmental protection performances in alignment with the IMO regulations and the World Ports Sustainability Programme(WPSP) which is in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
The ports are: Port of Tema(Ghana);Tanger- Med Port( Morocco); Lome Port(Togo), and Douala Port(Cameroon).
However, it is instructive for NPA to rally other key agencies and the supervisory ministry to work on positioning Nigerian ports as leaders in West Africa’s Sustainability policy and drive.
The need for an industry sustainability policy document now, cannot be overemphasized. Most successful ports in the world have brand identity or positioning which becomes a comparative advantage in the international trade value chain. What are Nigerian ports known for?
Nigeria ports have comparative advantages or can be positioned with value propositions to lead in sustainability in West Africa, given its rising profile in port modernisation and eco-friendly culture.
