Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a strong start to 2026 as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) posted significant operational growth across key performance indicators, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, highlighting the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels at Nigerian ports.
The report noted that the surge reflects improved cargo-carrying efficiency, rising trade demand, and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigeria’s port system, particularly following the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ongoing port modernisation efforts.
Cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also recorded strong growth, increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons in the corresponding period of 2025.
The NPA attributed the performance to stronger import and export activities, rising trade volumes, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.
Export activities emerged as one of the strongest growth drivers during the quarter, with outward cargo traffic rising by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons. Outward laden container traffic also surged by 67.6 per cent, climbing from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
Vehicle traffic equally witnessed remarkable growth, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units compared to 35,262 units recorded during the same period last year.
The report further revealed an 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, a development analysts say reflects Nigeria’s growing strategic relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks as AfCFTA implementation gathers momentum across the continent.
Industry observers noted that the rise in transshipment volumes signals increasing regional cargo movement through Nigerian ports, positioning the country to capture a larger share of West African maritime trade.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stressed the need for Nigeria’s ports to evolve beyond traditional operational limitations to remain competitive in an increasingly integrated African market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, innovation, speed, and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows under AfCFTA.
“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 stated.
The strong Q1 performance comes amid ongoing reforms by the Federal Government aimed at modernising port infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and enhancing trade facilitation.
A major aspect of the reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval of a $1 billion infrastructure overhaul targeted at improving port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
The government is equally driving an aggressive digitalisation programme through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays, and improve transparency.
Stakeholders believe the reforms could significantly reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving operational efficiency and cargo turnaround time.
Investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridors are also being expanded to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port access roads.
Meanwhile, improved maritime security has continued to strengthen investor confidence in the sector. Nigeria has now recorded more than four years without piracy incidents, largely credited to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho acknowledged that Nigeria still handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP, stressing that sustained reforms remain critical to unlocking the country’s full maritime potential.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
Leave a Reply