Nigeria’s maritime sector posted strong 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, which rose to 46.75 million.
The development, driven largely by the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels, signals growing confidence by international shipping lines in Nigerian ports amid ongoing reforms targeted at positioning the country 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 surge in vessel tonnage reflects improved cargo-carrying efficiency, expanding trade activities and the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The report also showed that total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, increased by 11.6 per cent to 32.38 million metric tons, compared to 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The authority attributed the growth to rising import and export activities, improved port productivity and sustained demand for port services.
One of the strongest growth areas during the quarter was outward cargo traffic, which rose by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, indicating stronger export activities and deeper participation in regional and global trade.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic climbed by 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in the review period.
Vehicle traffic also witnessed a sharp increase, with total vehicle units handled jumping by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, against 35,262 units recorded in the same period last year.
The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent rise in transshipment container activity, a development industry analysts say reinforces Nigeria’s growing relevance in regional maritime logistics and cargo distribution across West Africa.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, had recently stressed the need for Nigeria’s ports to evolve beyond traditional operational limitations to compete effectively in the emerging continental trade environment.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows 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 strong Q1 performance comes amid intensified government efforts to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within Africa’s maritime sector.
Part of the reforms include the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $1 billion infrastructure overhaul.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed plans for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
The government is equally pushing digital reforms through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform aimed at streamlining cargo clearance processes, reducing delays and improving transparency.
Stakeholders believe the reforms, alongside investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors, could significantly reduce the cost of doing business and improve turnaround time at Nigerian ports.
Security improvements within Nigerian waters have also boosted investor confidence, with Nigeria recording over four years without piracy incidents following the implementation of the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho recently noted that Nigeria still accounts for only about 25 per cent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite contributing 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 said.
