NPA Q1 Growth Jumps as Cargo Hits 32.38M Tons, Vehicle Traffic Surges 67%

….Larger vessels, improved efficiency, and strategic reforms position Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West Africa under AfCFTA.

Dr Abu Dantsoho, Managing Director of NPA

Nigeria’s maritime sector is charting a strong growth trajectory in 2026, with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reporting impressive operational gains in the first quarter. The latest Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review shows that Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels climbed 19.5% to 46.75 million tons, highlighting the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels across the nation’s ports.

The report attributes this growth to improved cargo efficiency, expanding trade volumes, and a growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigeria’s port infrastructure. Analysts say the trend reflects a strategic shift toward handling larger vessels, particularly following the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising regional trade demand.

Speaking at a recent industry forum in Lagos, Dr Abu Dantsoho, Managing Director of NPA, emphasised that efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability will determine which countries dominate cargo flows in Africa’s emerging integrated trade environment. “The time has come for a paradigm shift in 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.

Cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also recorded strong growth, increasing by 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons, up from 29.02 million metric tons in Q1 2025. The NPA noted that this rise was driven by stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.

Notably, outward cargo traffic surged 23.7% to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting Nigeria’s enhanced export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains. Outward laden container traffic recorded exceptional growth of 67.6%, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a performance linked to enhanced terminal efficiency and improved export logistics.

Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total units handled rising 67% to 58,870, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year. Meanwhile, transhipment container activity surged 83.1%, underscoring Nigeria’s growing relevance in regional maritime trade and logistics networks. Industry observers noted that the increase in transhipment activity is particularly significant, as it positions Nigeria as a regional hub for West African cargo flows—a central objective under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The robust Q1 performance aligns with ongoing federal reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s ports. Under the administration of President @officialABAT, GCFR, the government has focused on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation, and institutional restructuring to position the country as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa. Key initiatives include the rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, supported by a $1 billion MOU to address long-standing infrastructure challenges and improve competitiveness.

Experts say the sector’s growth signals a clear shift in Nigeria’s trade dynamics. Celestine Ukpong, economist, notes: “The adoption of larger vessels and improved cargo throughput demonstrates the ports’ capacity to support both domestic trade and Africa-wide commerce.” Similarly, Peter Adebayo, FCA, added: “Sustained increases in transhipment activity and container throughput reflect growing investor confidence and stronger alignment with AfCFTA objectives.”

As Nigeria continues to attract larger vessels, enhance operational efficiency, and deepen regional trade integration, the maritime sector is emerging as a key engine of economic growth and a cornerstone of the country’s strategic position within African trade.

The Nigerian Ports Authority posts strong Q1 2026 growth as cargo throughput, vehicle traffic, and transhipment activity rise sharply, reflecting reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and Nigeria’s growing role in regional maritime trade.