The Nigerian Ports Authority has recorded significant operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the authority, the increase reflects the growing deployment of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian ports amid ongoing reforms aimed at positioning the country as a major regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The report stated that the surge in vessel tonnage indicates improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping companies operating within Nigerian ports.
The authority noted that the development was driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising trade demand across the region.
It added that the Federal Government’s ongoing port modernisation drive, infrastructure upgrades and cargo handling reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations to remain competitive in the rapidly integrating African market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo movement under the continental trade agreement.
“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 report further showed that total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2025.
According to the NPA, the growth was driven by stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity and sustained demand for port services.
Outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances during the quarter, increasing by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic surged by 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
Vehicle traffic also witnessed major growth, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units compared to 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period last year.
The report also highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, a development analysts described as a sign of Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Industry stakeholders said the increase in transshipment activity suggests Nigeria is gradually attracting more regional cargo movement within West Africa as the AfCFTA continues to remove trade barriers across the continent.
The Federal Government’s maritime sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
Part of the reforms includes the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval of a $1 billion overhaul project targeted at improving port competitiveness and operational efficiency.
