The Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector are beginning to show measurable results, with cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic recording significant growth in the second quarter of 2026. Data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed that the improved performance reflects growing activity across the nation’s seaports and stronger efforts to make Nigerian ports more competitive.
According to the NPA’s Q2 2026 Operational Performance Report, cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent, from 31.83 million metric tonnes in the second quarter of 2025 to 35.74 million metric tonnes in the same period of 2026. Inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total throughput, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent. Notably, outward cargo increased by 22 per cent, pointing to improved export activity during the period, while transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes.
Vessel activity also recorded a strong improvement, with ocean-going vessels completed rising from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase. Gross Registered Tonnage climbed by 22.2 per cent to 49.95 million tonnes, while completed service boat operations increased by 22.3 per cent. Container traffic equally grew by 11.3 per cent, reaching 602,392 TEUs from 541,229 TEUs recorded a year earlier. Transshipment container traffic also emerged as a notable development, reaching 29,038 TEUs compared with no recorded movement in the corresponding period of 2025.
Vehicle traffic followed the same upward trend, increasing by 18.3 per cent to 44,147 units from 37,306 units in Q2 2025. The NPA attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activity, supported by greater exchange-rate stability. NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the rise in cargo volumes and ship calls demonstrates the resilience of Nigeria’s seaports and their growing capacity to facilitate trade.
Dantsoho said the NPA’s 2026 priorities include a major infrastructure overhaul, digital reforms and improved operational efficiency. The authority is moving ahead with the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, while also supporting the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects and the revitalisation of Eastern Ports. The NPA is also prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System and its integration with the National Single Window to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve cargo evacuation and support 24-hour port operations. With sustained investment and commercial engagement with shipping lines, the authority believes Nigeria can strengthen its position as a major West African trade and transshipment hub.
Source: newtelegraph
