NPA records strong Q1 report as cargo throughput hits 32.38m tons, vehicle traffic soars 67%
By Maureen Aguta
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded a strong operational performance in the first quarter of 2026, with cargo throughput rising to 32.38 million metric tons and vehicle traffic surging by 67 per cent, underscoring growing trade activity and increasing confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, the country’s ports witnessed significant increases in cargo movement, vessel traffic, export activities and transshipment operations during the period under review.
The report showed that total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals increased by 11.6 per cent year-on-year from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2026.
The Authority attributed the growth to stronger import and export activities, rising trade volumes, improved terminal productivity and sustained demand for port services across the country’s seaports.
One of the most remarkable performances during the quarter came from vehicle imports, with total vehicle units handled at Nigerian ports rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units compared to 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Industry observers said the increase reflects improved port operations, rising consumer demand and the growing role of Nigerian ports in regional automotive trade.
The report also highlighted a significant increase in vessel traffic, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, indicating the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels to Nigerian ports.
According to the NPA, the development points to improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence by international shipping companies in the country’s port system.
The Authority noted that the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, alongside expanding regional trade activities, has contributed to the increasing use of larger and more efficient vessels within Nigerian waters.
Export operations equally recorded strong growth during the quarter as outward cargo throughput rose by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting improving export competitiveness and stronger participation in regional and international supply chains.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic climbed by 67.6 per cent from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a development stakeholders linked to improved export logistics and better terminal efficiency.
Transshipment activities also recorded substantial growth, with transshipment container traffic increasing by 83.1 per cent during the period under review.
Maritime analysts said the sharp rise in transshipment activities signals Nigeria’s growing strategic relevance in regional maritime trade, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to deepen intra-African trade integration.
The strong Q1 performance comes amid ongoing reforms by the Federal Government aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stated that Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional operational limitations to fully harness emerging opportunities within the African continental market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho stressed that efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine the countries that dominate cargo flows across Africa 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. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
The Federal Government’s ongoing maritime reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu have focused on infrastructure renewal, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at improving port competitiveness.
Part of the reforms includes the planned rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval of a $1 billion modernisation programme designed to address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is advancing digitalisation initiatives through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes and improve operational transparency.
Industry stakeholders believe the reforms could significantly reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving cargo turnaround time and operational efficiency.
Security improvements within Nigerian waters have also continued to strengthen confidence in the sector, with Nigeria recording over four years without piracy incidents due largely to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
According to the NPA, the Q1 2026 performance demonstrates that Nigeria’s maritime sector is steadily evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of driving economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.