Q1 2026: Nigerian Ports Move 32.38M Tons of Cargo with Larger Vessels Despite Drop in Ship Arrivals
By Victor Idajili
Nigerian ports processed fewer ships but larger volumes of cargo in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s latest report.
The data shows 1,092 ocean-going vessels called at Nigerian ports between January and March 2026, down slightly from 1,102 in the same period in 2025. But the ships were bigger. Gross Registered Tonnage rose 19.5% to 46.75 million GRT, up from 39.11 million GRT a year earlier, indicating that ports are attracting larger, more efficient vessels.
Cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also climbed 11.6% to 32.38 million metric tons. Imports edged up 3.3% to 18.11 million metric tons, driven by demand for machinery, raw materials, and consumer goods. Exports saw a stronger jump of 23.7% to 14.13 million metric tons, a sign of improving competitiveness in non-oil trade.
Container exports recorded the biggest leap. Outward laden containers rose 67.6% year-on-year to 102,803 TEUs, more than doubling compared to Q4 2025. Overall container traffic held steady at 541,229 TEUs, while empty container traffic dropped 44.7%, reflecting better use of shipping equipment.
Vehicle handling also surged 67% to 58,870 units, and transhipment containers rose 83.1%, suggesting Nigerian ports are increasingly being used as redistribution hubs for West Africa.
NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said the numbers reflect gradual gains in infrastructure, cargo handling, and efficiency. He warned, however, that Nigeria risks losing cargo to neighboring ports if speed, reliability, and efficiency don’t improve.
“Despite accounting for over 60% of West Africa’s GDP, Nigeria handles only about 25% of the region’s cargo traffic,” Dantsoho noted. “Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth.”
The performance is linked to ongoing upgrades, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which has boosted capacity for larger vessels. The federal government has also secured a £746 million deal with UK Export Finance to modernize Lagos ports, and legislative approval for a $1 billion loan to rehabilitate Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port. Procurement is underway for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports, while new deep seaports are planned for Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Ondo states.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said the reforms are part of a nationwide strategy, not just a Lagos-focused plan, aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating growth across coastal and inland regions.
Industry experts say digitalization and decentralization are equally important. Dr. Eugene Nweke of the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre noted that Lagos still handles most of Nigeria’s cargo, leading to congestion and higher costs, while ports in Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, and Onne remain underused due to infrastructure gaps and inconsistent investment.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area set to intensify regional competition, authorities say improving port efficiency and capacity will be critical for Nigeria to capture more of the market.
