Nigeria's Ports Hit Record 129.3m Tonnes As Maritime Sector Fuels Trade Growth

By Victor Idajili

Nigeria's maritime sector has posted its strongest performance in recent years, reinforcing the critical role of shipping in driving economic growth and trade.

The feat was highlighted as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Maritime Day on Thursday, a global event set aside to celebrate shipping which moves over 80 per cent of world trade.

Figures from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) show that the nation's seaports handled 129.3 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, up by 24.8 per cent from 103.6 million tonnes recorded in 2024.

Container traffic also surged by 25.7 per cent to over 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), while transshipment containers jumped by 205.8 per cent, a development that underscores Nigeria's rising profile as a regional trade hub.

The momentum has been sustained in 2026. In the first quarter of the year, cargo throughput rose by 11.6 per cent to 32.38 million tonnes, and by 12.3 per cent to 35.7 million tonnes in the second quarter, according to NPA operational reports.

Ship traffic followed a similar upward trend, with 4,477 vessels calling at Nigerian ports in 2025, representing about 12 per cent increase. The Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) also rose by 22.2 per cent to 49.95 million tonnes in Q2 2026, indicating the deployment of larger vessels.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port has emerged as the nation's leading gateway, handling 40.6 per cent of total national cargo in 2025, followed by Onne Port with 19.1 per cent and Apapa Port with 16.7 per cent.

Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the record performance to ongoing Federal Government reforms and the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He noted that the Federal Government has approved a $1 billion overhaul of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port to further boost efficiency.

With an 853-kilometre coastline and six major ports, Nigeria's maritime sector remains the backbone of the country's trade, energy supply and job creation, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.