Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded significant operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, as total cargo throughput rose to 32.38 million metric tons while vehicle traffic surged by 67 per cent, reflecting rising trade activities and improved port efficiency.
According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority, total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals increased by 11.6 per cent from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The report also showed that Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels climbed by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, indicating increased deployment of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian ports.
The NPA said the development reflects growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigerian ports, supported by ongoing reforms, expanding trade demand, and the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The strong performance comes amid intensified efforts by the federal government to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and position Nigeria as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations to remain competitive in Africa’s rapidly integrating trade environment.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, innovation, speed and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows on the continent.
“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 review showed that outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances during the quarter, rising by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, driven by stronger export activities and increasing integration into regional and global supply chains.
Outward laden container traffic also rose sharply by 67.6 per cent to 102,803 TEUs from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025, a development linked to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.
Vehicle traffic equally emerged as a major growth segment, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year.
In addition, transshipment container activity grew by 83.1 per cent, reinforcing Nigeria’s increasing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Industry analysts said the increase in transshipment activity is particularly significant because it suggests Nigeria is beginning to attract more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a critical objective as AfCFTA gradually dismantles trade barriers across the continent.
The maritime reforms being pursued under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR have centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming the country into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
A major component of the reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of the MOU for $1 Billion overhaul of longstanding infrastructure deficiencies for improved port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is pushing an aggressive digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays and improve transparency.
Industry stakeholders believe these initiatives could significantly lower the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.
Security improvements within Nigerian waters have further strengthened confidence in the sector. Nigeria has now recorded over four years without piracy incidents, a development attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that the maritime sector is evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho recently 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 the country must sustain ongoing reforms to fully optimise its 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.
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