Container Traffic At Seaports Rises By 33.1% As Trade Picks Up

Import-laden container traffic into Nigerian seaports rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the third quarter of 2025, operational data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has shown, indicating a boost in the country’s trade.

According to the data obtained by LEADERSHIP, export-laden containers also recorded a remarkable jump, rising to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

The figures further revealed a strong rebound in ship traffic, with vessel calls increasing by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships, while total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) climbed by 18 per cent to 42.64 million.

Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the major driver of the growth, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total cargo handled during the period, followed by Onne Port with 17 per cent. In terms of vessel capacity, Lekki Port also received the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244.

The sharp increase in export container volumes contributed to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling an improved balance between imports and exports and strengthening non-oil export activities.

Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority described 2025 as a transformational year for the country’s maritime sector, noting that the Authority is riding an unprecedented wave of growth.

According to him, since his appointment as the helmsman of the NPA, deliberate reforms have revitalised the agency and repositioned Nigeria’s ports as efficient hubs capable of supporting national economic growth.

“The numbers reflect this success, under Dr. Dantsoho’s stewardship, sustained port efficiencies helped propel Nigeria’s international trade to N5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024. His impact extends to national fiscal policy, where he successfully implemented the presidential mandate to trade petroleum in Naira, reducing the strain on the country’s forex reserves.

“Also, by integrating Nigeria into the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) and championing the National Single Window project, he has ushered in a new era of transparency with his visionary leadership, recently honoured with the Award of Excellence for his role in modernising maritime infrastructure.”

Dantsoho, who is also the Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), attributed the strong performance to the Federal Government’s export-driven economic reforms and growing investor confidence.

“The figures reflect improved operational efficiency across all pilotage districts and the ongoing port modernisation efforts and digital platform expansions,” he stated.

He further noted that the Authority’s achievements in 2025 underscore its focus on innovation and excellence across port operations.

“From berthing its first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel to posting impressive performance metrics, NPA is solidifying its role in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future. Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO Council after 14 years hiatus marked a significant milestone, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.”

Dantsoho also highlighted the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon, a 349-TEU container vessel, as a breakthrough for the sector.

“In July 2025, the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon, a 349 TEU container vessel, equally marked a breakthrough in Nigeria’s maritime sector. We are fascinated that MV Ocean Dragon is wholly Nigerian, aligning with President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy and NPA’s focus on Nigerian content development.”

He explained that the vessel would boost regional trade and support the country’s drive towards cost-effective and time-efficient short-sea shipping.

The MV Ocean Dragon, owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, has a capacity of 349 TEUs and is expected to operate across West Africa and beyond, servicing ports in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and South Africa.

“The MV Ocean Dragon is expected to give a boost to a concerted investment drive geared towards reaping the cost and time-saving benefits of short-sea shipping. By offering an efficient alternative to road transport, the vessel will help reduce logistics costs and increase revenue for the country,” Dantsoho stated.

Looking ahead to 2026, the NPA Managing Director said the Authority is positioned to deliver another landmark performance that would further redefine Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

“The heart of this strategy is a $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernisation project. This initiative involves the reconstruction of key ports and the implementation of a Port Community System (PCS) by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), slated for a 2026 launch.

“While the PCS concept originated in Europe during the 1970s to digitise maritime hubs like Rotterdam and Hamburg, its adoption in Nigeria is specifically tailored to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“By automating cargo handling and simplifying administrative processes, the PCS will act as a digital bridge to the National Single Window (NSW), eventually integrating aviation and rail logistics into a unified trade ecosystem.

“The economic implications are profound, the system is expected to save millions of dollars annually by reducing vessel turnaround times and demurrage. Furthermore, by ensuring data integrity and automating transactions, the PCS will plug revenue leakages and provide the reliable trade data necessary for long-term national planning.

“Building on the remarkable achievements of 2025 and the upcoming launch of the $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernisation project, the economy through NPA is positioned for even greater heights,” he ended.