Nigeria’s ports handled 32.38 million metric tons of cargo in Q1 2026, up 11.6% year-on-year, as larger vessels and stronger export activity drove growth, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said.
Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rose 19.5% to 46.75 million, signaling a shift to higher-capacity ships and improved cargo-carrying efficiency.
The NPA attributed the trend to the impact of Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising trade demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Outward cargo traffic led the gains, surging 23.7% to 14.13 million tons. Outward laden container traffic jumped 67.6% to 102,803 TEUs, reflecting better export logistics and terminal efficiency. Vehicle imports also climbed sharply, with units handled up 67% to 58,870.
Transshipment container activity rose 83.1%, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing role in West African maritime trade. Analysts said the increase suggests Nigeria is beginning to capture more regional cargo as AfCFTA reduces trade barriers.
NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability will determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift toward full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” Dantsoho said at an industry forum in Lagos.
The Q1 gains come as the federal government accelerates port modernization. Key projects include the $1bn rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, and planned upgrades for Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports.
The government is also pushing digitalization through the Port Community System and National Single Window to cut clearance times and improve transparency. Investments in rail links, inland dry ports, barging, and export corridors are aimed at easing cargo evacuation and congestion.
Security improvements have also boosted confidence. Nigeria has recorded over four years without piracy incidents, attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced surveillance.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said procurement processes are underway for port upgrades nationwide.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho noted Nigeria still handles only about 25% of West Africa’s cargo traffic despite accounting for over 60% 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 said.
