The Federal Government’s reforms in the nation’s maritime sector are beginning to yield positive results, as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recorded significant growth in cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
This was contained in the NPA Operational Performance Report for the Second Quarter of 2026, which showed an overall improvement in operational activities across the nation’s seaports.
Analysis of the report revealed that most key performance indicators recorded positive growth, reflecting sustained increases in vessel traffic, cargo throughput, container movements and port utilisation.
Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscored the resilience of Nigeria’s seaports in facilitating trade and improving competitiveness.
The report showed that cargo throughput increased by 12.3 per cent, rising from 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.
By type of trade, inward cargo accounted 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 approximately 1.4 per cent of total cargo throughput.
Inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo recorded a 22 per cent increase, demonstrating improved export performance during the period under review.
The number of ocean-going vessels completed also increased from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent rise.
Similarly, the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels increased from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes, representing a growth of 22.2 per cent.
Service boat operations also recorded growth during the quarter. The number of service boats completed rose by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while the associated Gross Registered Tonnage increased by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.
Container traffic increased by 11.3 per cent, rising from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.
According to the report, inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent, accounting for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.
Outward laden containers declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
Transshipment container traffic stood at 29,038 TEUs, compared with no recorded movement during the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.
Vehicle traffic also increased during the period under review. A total of 44,147 units were handled in Q2 2026, compared with 37,306 units recorded in Q2 2025, representing an increase of 18.3 per cent.
The report attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activities and stability in the exchange rate.
It also identified the continued growth in transshipment traffic as a significant development within the Nigerian port system, noting that the emergence and sustained growth of transshipment operations were positioning Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub.
The report added that the completion of ongoing port modernisation, alongside sustained investment in infrastructure and commercial engagement with shipping lines, would further enhance the opportunity.
Overall, the report stated that positive growth was recorded across most operational indicators, particularly cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container traffic and vehicle traffic.
It described the second quarter of 2026 as having recorded encouraging operational performance across the Nigerian ports, with sustained growth in ship traffic, cargo throughput, container movements, vehicle traffic and berth utilisation.
Commenting further, Dantsoho said the NPA’s core priority for 2026 is a massive infrastructure overhaul, complemented by digital reforms and improvements in operational efficiency.
He said stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, beginning with the groundbreaking of the port modernisation projects.
According to him, the centerpiece of the programme is the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, which he noted are outdated, with Apapa approaching 100 years and Tin Can Island more than 50 years old.
He added that the NPA is supporting the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects to accommodate larger vessels, while also revitalising the Eastern Ports to reduce congestion in Lagos.
Dantsoho said the authority is prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline operations and reduce manual bottlenecks.
He explained that the PCS would integrate with the National Single Window (NSW), which became operational in Q1 2026, to create a unified digital trade ecosystem.
He further said the NPA is enhancing technology-driven security to support 24-hour port operations and strengthening collaboration with customs agents to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation.
According to him, the NPA is positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s trade nerve centre, with the expected impact being faster operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes and improved export competitiveness.
