NPA sustains growth trajectory in Q1 as cargo Throughput hits 32.38m tons
Editor
The Nigerian maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, with the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
The surge underscores the increasing dominance of larger-capacity ships across the nation’s ports amid ongoing reforms targeted at positioning the country as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the rise in vessel tonnage signals improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stated that Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations to compete effectively in a rapidly integrating African market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.
“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.
Total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, also posted strong growth during the quarter, increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons, up from the 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The NPA attributed the growth to rising trade volumes, stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.
One of the strongest performances during the period came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic recorded exceptional growth of 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year.
The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s relevance within regional maritime trade.
Industry analysts suggest the increase in transshipment activity indicates that Nigeria is beginning to attract more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a critical objective of the AfCFTA.
The maritime reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation, and institutional restructuring.
A major component of these reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a $1 billion overhaul.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades at the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports to ensure balanced development.
In addition to physical upgrades, the government is pushing a digitalisation agenda through the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance.
Despite the progress, 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. He stressed that the country must sustain reforms to fully optimise its maritime potential.
