Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded significant operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with total cargo handled across the nation’s ports rising to 32.38 million metric tons, reflecting increased trade activities and improved port efficiency.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels increased by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, highlighting the growing presence of larger-capacity vessels at Nigerian ports.
The report noted that the development signals rising confidence among international shipping companies in Nigeria’s port system, as well as improved cargo-carrying efficiency driven by ongoing reforms aimed at positioning the country as a major regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The NPA explained that the increasing deployment of larger and more efficient vessels was partly influenced by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the steady expansion of trade demand across the country.
The strong performance comes amid intensified federal government efforts to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling operations, and increase Nigeria’s share of regional cargo movement within Africa.
Speaking recently at an industry forum in Lagos, Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said Nigeria’s port system must move beyond traditional limitations if the country intends to compete effectively within Africa’s evolving trade environment.
He stressed that efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability would determine the countries that dominate cargo movement under the AfCFTA framework.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
The report further showed that total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million metric tons in Q1 2026.
According to the NPA, the increase was driven by stronger import and export activities, rising trade volumes, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services nationwide.
Outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances during the period, rising by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, an indication of growing export competitiveness and Nigeria’s increasing integration into regional and global supply chains.
Outward laden container traffic also witnessed remarkable growth, climbing by 67.6 per cent from 61,332 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
The NPA linked the sharp rise to improvements in export logistics and enhanced operational efficiency at port terminals.
Vehicle traffic equally recorded strong growth during the quarter, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, compared to 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
In addition, transshipment container activity surged by 83.1 per cent, further strengthening Nigeria’s position within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Industry analysts noted that the rise in transshipment activities suggests Nigeria is gradually attracting more regional cargo movement across West Africa, a key target under AfCFTA as African countries continue efforts to remove trade barriers and deepen economic integration.
The maritime sector reforms introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu have focused heavily on infrastructure rehabilitation, digitalisation, and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming Nigeria into one of Africa’s leading maritime logistics hubs.
A major part of the reform agenda includes the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $1 billion upgrade project designed to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and improve port competitiveness.
Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Records Major Growth as Cargo Throughput Hits 32.38 Million Metric Tons in 2026
