The Nigerian Ports Authority has revealed 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. This represents a 67 per cent increase in vehicle imports. In its Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, the authority noted that the maritime sector recorded strong operational growth with the Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million. This growth highlights the increasing dominance of larger capacity ships across the nation’s ports as reforms continue under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to the authority, the increase in vessel tonnage reflects improved cargo carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines. The NPA stated, “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 report noted that this development reflects a strategic shift toward larger vessels driven by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Seaport and expanding trade demand.
Total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, also recorded 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 this to rising trade volumes and improved port productivity. One of the strongest performances came from outward cargo traffic, which surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons. Outward laden container traffic also recorded growth of 67.6 per cent, rising from 61,332 twenty-foot equivalent units in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
The report further highlighted an 83.1 per cent increase in transhipment container activity. The Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, stated that Nigeria’s ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations to compete effectively. Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said, “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.”
The government is currently pursuing a digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes. Investments have also been expanded in rail integration, inland dry ports, and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.
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