By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has set an ambitious revenue target of N1.489 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing its 2025 target of N1.468 trillion by N21 billion.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during a budget defence session, outlining the agency’s financial projections and strategic priorities for the coming year.
According to the proposal, N945 billion has been allocated for capital projects, while N447.5 billion is earmarked for operational expenses. Additionally, N90.6 billion is expected to be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
Dantsoho revealed plans to modernise Nigeria’s two busiest seaports Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port to improve efficiency and enhance global competitiveness.
He noted that both ports are outdated and inadequate for modern maritime operations, stating that Apapa Port is approximately 100 years old, while Tin Can Island Port has been in operation for over 50 years.
“Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are very old and too small to meet the demands of global port competition,” he said.
The NPA boss further announced that groundwork for the modernisation projects would commence within the next two to three weeks.
The planned upgrades are expected to temporarily shift maritime activities, with increased traffic anticipated at eastern ports as vessels are diverted during construction.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, underscored the importance of budget appropriation in national development.
“Appropriation is crucial, fundamental, and a vital tool for socio-economic development,” he said, while assuring the committee’s full support for the NPA’s modernisation agenda.
The 2026 budget is anchored on the theme “Consolidation, Renewed Resilience, and Shared Prosperity,” reflecting the Authority’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and boosting efficiency across Nigeria’s port system.
