The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has disclosed that Nigeria’s cargo throughput rose to 32.38 million metric tonnes in the first quarter of 2026.
This marks an 11.6 per cent year-on-year increase driven by stronger port activity across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The NPA said in a statement that the performance reflects rising vessel traffic, export growth, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the country’s seaports.
The data also shows a broader expansion in shipping activity, with vessel sizes increasing and container movements strengthening across key terminals, including Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa, and Onne.
Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, was quoted to have said that the sector recorded notable growth in the first quarter of 2026, supported by increased cargo throughput and larger vessel traffic.
Cargo throughput rose by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes in Q1 2026. Ocean-going vessel Gross Registered Tonnage increased by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
Outward cargo volumes climbed by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million tonnes and outward laden containers surged by 67.6 per cent to 102,803 TEUs, while vehicle traffic rose 67 per cent to 58,870 units.
Dantsoho attributed the performance to improved cargo efficiency, rising international shipping confidence, and the deployment of larger vessels linked to operations at Lekki Deep Sea Port, as well as expanding regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
