Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recorded a sharp rise in vehicle traffic across the country’s seaports during the first quarter of 2026 as maritime activities continued to strengthen amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades and trade reforms.
According to the authority’s latest operational review, Nigerian ports handled 58,870 vehicle units in the first three months of 2026, representing a 67 percent increase compared to the 35,262 units processed during the same period in 2025.
The strong increase highlights rising import activities, improved port operations and growing confidence among shipping operators using Nigerian ports as regional trade gateways.
The report also showed that vessel capacity at Nigerian ports expanded significantly during the period as larger ocean-going ships increasingly called at the country’s terminals.
Gross Registered Tonnage for international vessels rose by 19.5 percent year-on-year to 46.75 million, reflecting increased deployment of high-capacity ships across Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
Industry analysts linked the trend partly to the growing operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which continues to attract larger vessels due to its deeper draft and modern cargo-handling infrastructure.
The NPA said total cargo throughput excluding crude oil shipments climbed by 11.6 percent during the quarter to 32.38 million metric tonnes, supported by stronger import demand, rising export activities and improved efficiency at port terminals.
Export-related operations delivered some of the strongest growth figures during the period as outbound cargo volumes increased by nearly 24 percent to 14.13 million metric tonnes.
Containerised export activities also accelerated sharply as outward laden container traffic rose by more than 67 percent year-on-year, indicating stronger participation by Nigerian exporters in regional and international trade markets.
The authority further disclosed that transhipment container movements expanded by over 83 percent during the quarter, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance in West African maritime logistics and regional cargo distribution.
The performance comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise port infrastructure and improve cargo evacuation systems under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Authorities are currently expanding rail connectivity, inland dry ports and barging operations to ease congestion around major seaport corridors while improving cargo movement efficiency nationwide.
The government is also accelerating digital reforms through the implementation of the Port Community System and National Single Window platform aimed at simplifying cargo clearance processes and reducing delays for importers and exporters.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stated that Nigeria’s ports must become faster, more efficient and globally competitive if the country hopes to maximise opportunities created by expanding continental trade integration.
Analysts said the latest operational figures suggest Nigeria’s maritime sector is gradually transitioning into a more commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic diversification, export growth and regional trade expansion.
