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The federal government’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector are beginning to translate into stronger port activity, with cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic recording significant growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
The latest figures are contained in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, which showed broad improvements across key operational indicators compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
According to the report, cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent from 31,825,592 metric tonnes in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.
The increase was driven largely by higher inward and outward cargo volumes, with inward cargo accounting for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent. Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, representing about 1.4 per cent of total throughput.
Inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent during the period, while outward cargo rose by 22 per cent, which the NPA said was “demonstrating improved export performance during the period under review.”
Commenting on the performance, NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said, “The increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscores the continued resilience of the nation’s seaports to facilitate trade and be more competitive.”
The number of ocean-going vessels completed also increased significantly during the quarter. The figure rose from 1,050 vessels in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.
The Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of the ocean-going vessels similarly increased by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.
Service boat operations recorded even stronger growth. The number of service boats completed increased by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 in Q2 2025 to 4,347 in Q2 2026. Their associated GRT rose by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.
Container traffic also expanded during the period, rising by 11.3 per cent from 541,229 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.
The report showed that inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent, accounting for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.
Outward laden containers, however, declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
A notable development was the emergence of transshipment container traffic, which stood at 29,038 TEUs in Q2 2026, compared with no recorded movement in the same period of 2025.
The NPA said the development “reflects the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.”
Vehicle traffic also recorded strong growth, with 44,147 units handled in Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units in Q2 2025, representing an increase of 18.3 per cent.
According to the report, the growth was “indicative of improved automobile import activities attributable largely to a stability of exchange rate.”
The authority also identified the continued increase in transshipment activity as a major opportunity for Nigeria’s ports, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional maritime hub.
It stated that, “The emergence and continued growth of transshipment traffic continues to position Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub. The on-going Port Modernisation if completed with the sustained investment in infrastructure and commercial engagement with shipping lines will further enhance this opportunity.”
Overall, the NPA described Q2 2026 as a period of encouraging operational performance, with growth recorded across most major indicators.
“The Second Quarter of 2026 recorded encouraging operational performance across the Nigerian ports, with sustained growth in ship traffic, cargo throughput, container movements, vehicle traffic, and berth utilisation,” the report stated.
Dantsoho said the authority’s priority for 2026 was to undertake a major infrastructure overhaul while improving digital systems and operational efficiency.
“Stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, starting with the groundbreaking of the port modernisation projects,” he said.
He identified the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as the centrepiece of the NPA’s infrastructure programme, noting that Apapa is nearly 100 years old, while Tin Can Island is more than 50 years old.
“The centerpiece is the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. The NPA notes both are outdated—Apapa is nearly 100 years old and Tin Can over 50,” he said.
According to Dantsoho, the NPA is also supporting the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects to accommodate larger vessels, while efforts are underway to revitalise the Eastern Ports and ease pressure on Lagos ports.
He added that the authority was prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline port operations and reduce manual bottlenecks.
“This integrates with the National Single Window (NSW) (operational since Q1 2026) to create a unified digital trade ecosystem,” he said.
“The authority is enhancing technology-driven security for 24-hour operations and strengthening collaboration with customs agents to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation. NPA is positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s trade nerve centre. The expected impact includes faster operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes, and improved export competitiveness,” Dantsoho added.
