By Oluyinka Onigbinde & Joshua Yousouph
Nigeria’s maritime industry recorded a strong start to 2026 as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) posted significant growth across key operational indicators in the first quarter of the year, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a dominant maritime and logistics hub in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, a development that underscores the increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels to Nigerian ports and growing confidence among international shipping lines in the nation’s maritime sector.
The performance reflects a major operational shift toward bigger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the growing impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, expanding regional trade opportunities and ongoing government reforms targeted at modernising port infrastructure and improving competitiveness.
The report also showed that total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, climbed by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons in Q1 2026, compared to 29.02 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2025.
The NPA attributed the growth to increased trade activities, improved operational efficiency, stronger import and export demand, and sustained patronage of port services.
One of the most remarkable performances during the quarter came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, highlighting improving export competitiveness and stronger integration of Nigerian trade into regional and global supply chains.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic recorded an exceptional 67.6 per cent increase, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in the corresponding period of 2026.
The development is believed to be linked to improved export logistics, enhanced terminal operations and growing confidence among exporters using Nigerian ports.
Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth segment during the quarter, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, compared to 35,262 units recorded during the same period last year.
Another significant highlight of the report was the 83.1 per cent increase in transshipment container activity, a development regarded by maritime stakeholders as a major milestone for Nigeria’s regional trade aspirations.
Industry experts noted that rising transshipment activity indicates that Nigerian ports are gradually attracting more regional cargo movements within West Africa — a strategic objective expected to gain further momentum as AfCFTA implementation deepens across the continent.
The strong Q1 performance comes amid intensified efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth through infrastructure renewal, digitalisation and institutional reforms.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stressed the need for Nigeria’s ports to evolve beyond traditional operational limitations in order to compete effectively in the rapidly integrating African trade environment.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said the future of maritime trade in Africa would be determined by efficiency, innovation, speed and reliability.
“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 stated.
He added that Nigeria must sustain ongoing reforms if it hopes to fully optimise its maritime potential, noting that despite accounting for more than 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, the country currently handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic.
“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,” Dantsoho assured.
A major aspect of the ongoing reforms is the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $1 billion infrastructure overhaul aimed at addressing longstanding deficiencies affecting port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has also disclosed that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development across the country.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the government is pursuing an aggressive digitalisation strategy through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform designed to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays and improve transparency within the port system.
Stakeholders believe the digital reforms could significantly reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
The government has also intensified investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around the nation’s seaports.
Security improvements within Nigerian waters have further strengthened investor and operator confidence in the sector. Nigeria has now recorded more than four years without piracy incidents, a feat largely attributed to the Deep Blue Project and enhanced maritime surveillance architecture.
According to the NPA, the Q1 2026 operational figures demonstrate that Nigeria’s maritime sector is steadily evolving into a more cargo-intensive, commercially vibrant and regionally connected ecosystem capable of supporting trade facilitation, economic diversification and continental integration.
