The Nigerian Ports Authority has stated that the total number of vehicles handled in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2026 rose to 58,870 units from 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 67 per cent increase.
The NPA disclosed this in its Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday.
The authority explained that Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, highlighting the increasing dominance of larger-capacity ships across the nation’s ports amid ongoing reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It added that the increase in vessel tonnage reflects improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports. “Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year,” the NPA said.
The NPA noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Seaport and expanding trade demand.
According to the authority, the strong performance comes at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency, and capture a larger share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.
The report stressed that total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, also recorded strong growth during the quarter, “increasing by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.”
The NPA attributed the growth to rising trade volumes, stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services. “One of the strongest performances during the period came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains,” the NPA added.
The authority highlighted that outward laden container traffic also recorded exceptional growth of 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 twenty-foot equivalent units in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a performance linked to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.
The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transhipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that the maritime sector is evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations if the country hopes to compete effectively in a rapidly integrating African market. Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.
“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.
In addition to physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is pursuing an aggressive digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays, and improve transparency.
The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.
