Nigeria’s maritime sector kicked off 2026 with robust gains, as the Nigerian Ports Authority reported a 19.5% rise in Gross Registered Tonnage and an 11.6% jump in cargo throughput for Q1, driven by bigger vessels and expanding trade.
According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, ocean-going vessels calling at Nigerian ports recorded a combined 46.75 million GRT, up from the previous year.
The NPA credited the increase to a shift toward larger, more efficient ships, supported by the operational impact of Lekki Deep Sea Port and growing trade demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals climbed to 32.38 million metric tons, compared to 29.02 million tons in Q1 2025.
The Authority attributed the growth to higher import and export volumes, improved productivity, and sustained demand for port services.
Outward cargo led the surge, rising 23.7% to 14.13 million tons, signaling stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains. Outward laden container traffic also saw exceptional growth, up 67.6% to 102,803 TEUs.
Vehicle imports posted one of the sharpest gains, with 58,870 units handled in the quarter — a 67% increase from 35,262 units in Q1 2025.
Transshipment container activity rose 83.1%, underscoring Nigeria’s growing role in West African maritime logistics.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the results reflect ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a regional trade hub.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, he stressed that efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability will 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,” Dantsoho said. “Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth.”
The performance comes as the federal government advances port modernisation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Key initiatives include the $1 billion rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, procurement for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, and the rollout of the Port Community System and National Single Window to cut clearance times and boost transparency.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, confirmed that procurement processes are underway for the port upgrades nationwide.
Investments in rail links, inland dry ports, barging, and export corridors are also expanding to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion.
Security gains have further bolstered confidence. Nigeria has now gone over four years without a reported piracy incident, a result officials credit to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho noted that Nigeria still handles only about 25% of West Africa’s cargo traffic despite accounting for over 60% of the region’s GDP.
He said sustained reforms are critical to fully unlock the country’s 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 said.
