NPA Reports Strong Growth in Maritime Operations
The Nigerian Ports Authority has announced a sharp increase in vehicle traffic across the country’s ports during the first quarter of 2026.
According to the authority, Nigerian ports handled 58,870 vehicles between January and March 2026. In comparison, ports processed 35,262 units during the same period in 2025.
The figures represent a 67 per cent increase in vehicle traffic year-on-year.
The NPA disclosed the development in its Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review obtained on Sunday.
Cargo Throughput, Vessel Tonnage Rise
The authority also reported significant growth in maritime operations during the review period.
Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels increased by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million. The NPA linked the rise to the growing use of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian ports.
Furthermore, the authority said the increase reflects stronger confidence from international shipping companies and improved cargo efficiency.
The NPA added that ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades continue to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
“The development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Seaport and expanding trade demand,” the report stated.
Export Activities Record Major Improvement
Meanwhile, total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals rose by 11.6 per cent during the quarter.
The figure climbed to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025.
The NPA attributed the improvement to stronger import and export activities, better port productivity, and rising demand for port services.
In addition, outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances during the quarter.
Export cargo volume surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness and deeper participation in regional trade networks.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic jumped by 67.6 per cent. The volume increased from 61,332 twenty-foot equivalent units in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
The authority linked the performance to improved export logistics and higher terminal efficiency.
Nigeria Expands Maritime Trade Capacity
The report also showed that transhipment container activity increased by 83.1 per cent during the quarter.
According to the NPA, the growth highlights Nigeria’s increasing importance in regional maritime logistics and cargo movement.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said Nigerian ports must improve efficiency and innovation to remain competitive in Africa’s evolving trade environment.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources,” he said.
He added that efficient ports could become major drivers of economic growth and regional trade expansion.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government continues to expand investments in port infrastructure, rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridors.
Authorities are also deploying the Port Community System and National Single Window platform to simplify cargo clearance and reduce delays.
