Official figures show cargo volume and vessel arrivals jumped by over 15% in Q1, highlighting renewed momentum at Nigerian ports.
Lagos: The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reported a significant rise in cargo throughput and vessel arrivals during the first quarter, signalling robust growth for the maritime sector.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasises that strong first-quarter 2026 maritime sector growth—evidenced by increased cargo volumes, larger vessel traffic, and key port reforms—indicates Nigeria’s aim to lead Africa’s port logistics.
Dantsoho disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the NPA General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara.
He said ocean-going vessel Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting improved cargo efficiency and growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
According to him, the increase was largely driven by the deployment of larger vessels linked to activities at the Lekki Deep Sea Port and by rising regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“To lead African trade, our ports must evolve in efficiency, speed and reliability,” he said, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership ambitions.
Dantsoho said total cargo throughput rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes during the period.
He added that outward cargo increased by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million tonnes, while outward laden containers rose by 67.6 per cent to 102,803 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
According to him, vehicle traffic also increased by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, while transhipment containers climbed by 83.1 per cent, indicating Nigeria’s growing role in regional trade.
“Fully utilising our marine resources will allow ports to drive major economic growth and solidify Nigeria’s position as an African maritime leader,” he said.
Dantsoho highlighted that reforms under Bola Tinubu’s administration—focused on upgrades, digitalisation, and restructuring—seek to firmly position Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime hub.
He disclosed that the one billion dollar overhaul of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port was underway following approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said procurement processes were ongoing for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced development.
Oyetola added that the Port Community System and National Single Window project would help reduce delays, lower costs, and improve transparency in port operations.
He also noted that investments in rail, inland dry ports, barging and export corridors were aimed at easing congestion and improving cargo evacuation.
According to the NPA, Nigeria has also remained free of piracy incidents for over 4 years under the Deep Blue Programme.
Dantsoho said Nigeria still handles only 25 per cent of West Africa’s cargo despite accounting for about 60 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as Africa’s foremost maritime logistics hub,” he said, underscoring the nation’s central goal.
