Nigeria’s maritime sector posted strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recording a 19.5 per cent increase in Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels to 46.75 million.
The growth highlights the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian ports as the country intensifies reforms aimed at positioning itself as a major regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, the rise in vessel tonnage reflects improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
The report noted that the trend was driven by the growing use of larger and more efficient vessels, supported by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding regional trade activities.
Cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also rose significantly during the quarter, increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025.
The NPA attributed the improvement to stronger import and export activities, rising trade volumes, improved port productivity and sustained demand for port services.
Export activities recorded one of the strongest performances during the period, with outward cargo traffic rising by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, signaling improved export competitiveness and stronger integration into regional and global supply chains.
Outward laden container traffic also surged by 67.6 per cent, climbing from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, driven by improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.
Vehicle traffic witnessed a major boost as total vehicle units handled increased by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, compared to 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period last year.
The report further showed that transshipment container activity jumped by 83.1 per cent, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing strategic relevance within West Africa’s maritime trade and logistics network.
Industry analysts said the rise in transshipment activity indicates that Nigeria is gradually attracting more regional cargo movement, a critical objective as AfCFTA continues to dismantle trade barriers across Africa.
The strong performance comes amid ongoing reforms by the federal government targeted at modernising port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and expanding Nigeria’s share of regional cargo traffic.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations to remain competitive in an increasingly integrated African market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho stressed that efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows across the continent.
“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.
As part of the reforms, the government is rehabilitating the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the signing of a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and improving port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, 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 infrastructure upgrades, the government is accelerating digitalisation through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays and improve transparency.
Stakeholders believe the reforms could significantly reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port areas.
Nigeria’s maritime security profile has equally improved, with the country recording over four years without piracy incidents, a feat attributed 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 evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of driving economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
Despite the gains, Dantsoho acknowledged that Nigeria still handles only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of the region’s GDP.
“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 assured.
