Nigeria ports record 19.5% rise in vessel traffic, 32.38m tons of Cargos in Q1

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded a 19.5 per cent increase in vessel traffic in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising to 46.75 million, as cargo throughput reached 32.38 million metric tons. The figures were contained in the agency’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, which highlighted […]

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded a 19.5 per cent increase in vessel traffic in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising to 46.75 million, as cargo throughput reached 32.38 million metric tons.

The figures were contained in the agency’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, which highlighted strong growth across key operational indicators within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The report stated that the increased vessel tonnage indicates improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines operating in Nigerian waters.

The report also showed that cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals grew by 11.6 per cent year-on-year from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million metric tons in the corresponding period of 2026.

The NPA attributed the growth to stronger import and export activities, improved cargo handling efficiency and sustained demand for port services.

Similarly, outward cargo traffic posted significant gains during the period, increasing by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, while outward laden container traffic rose sharply by 67.6 per cent from 61,332 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.

Vehicle traffic also recorded notable growth, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 per cent to 58,870 units compared to 35,262 units recorded in the same period last year.

In addition, transshipment container activity rose by 83.1 per cent, a development analysts say reflects Nigeria’s growing importance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.

Speaking at a recent industry forum in Lagos, Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said Nigeria’s ports must become more efficient and competitive to fully benefit from opportunities under AfCFTA.