The Nigerian Ports Authority has sustained strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million tonnes, reflecting increased deployment of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian seaports.
According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 operational performance report, the development signals growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigeria’s maritime sector, driven by ongoing reforms and expanding trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The report attributed the increase partly to the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising regional trade demand, noting that larger and more efficient vessels are increasingly calling at Nigerian ports.
Total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes from 29.02 million metric tonnes recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The authority said the growth was driven by stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, rising trade volumes and sustained demand for port services.
Outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances during the quarter, surging by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tonnes, while outward laden container traffic jumped by 67.6 per cent from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
Vehicle traffic also witnessed significant growth, increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units compared to 35,262 units handled in the same period last year.
The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent rise in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing role in regional maritime trade and logistics within West Africa.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stated that Nigeria’s ports must move beyond traditional operational limitations to remain competitive in the evolving African trade environment.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, innovation, speed and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows under AfCFTA.
He stressed that Nigeria’s marine resources and port infrastructure could serve as major drivers of economic growth if properly harnessed.
The maritime reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu have focused on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
A major component of the reforms is the planned rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $1 billion infrastructure overhaul.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also disclosed that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
The Federal Government is also advancing digital reforms through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to improve cargo clearance, reduce delays and enhance transparency.
Additional investments are being made in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port areas.
The NPA noted that Nigeria has now recorded more than four years without piracy incidents, attributing the improvement in maritime security to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced surveillance systems.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho observed that Nigeria still handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for over 60 per cent of the region’s GDP, stressing the need to sustain ongoing reforms to fully unlock the country’s maritime potential.