Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded significant growth in the second quarter of 2026, with cargo throughput at the country’s ports rising by 12.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
According to the latest Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, cargo throughput increased from 31.83 million metric tonnes in Q2 2025 to 35.74 million metric tonnes in Q2 2026. The NPA said the improvement reflects stronger activity across several areas of the nation’s port system.
Vessel traffic also increases
The number of ocean-going vessels completed at Nigerian ports increased from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.
The Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels also climbed by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes. Service boat operations increased by 22.3 per cent during the period.
Exports record stronger growth
The report showed that inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent.
Notably, outward cargo increased by 22 per cent, compared with a 7.7 per cent rise in inward cargo. The stronger growth in outward cargo suggests an improvement in export activity through Nigerian ports.
Container traffic rises
Container traffic also recorded an increase of 11.3 per cent, moving from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.
Transshipment activity also showed notable improvement. Nigerian ports handled 29,038 TEUs of transshipment containers, compared with no recorded transshipment movement in the corresponding period of 2025.
Vehicle traffic records 18.3% growth
Vehicle handling also increased during the quarter. Nigerian ports processed 44,147 vehicles, compared with 37,306 in Q2 2025, representing an 18.3 per cent increase.
NPA Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls demonstrates the resilience of Nigeria’s seaports and their potential to become more competitive.
The authority has identified the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, digital reforms, improved security and the development of deep-sea port projects as key parts of its efforts to improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.
What this means for Nigeria
The latest figures are a positive sign for Nigeria’s maritime industry. Higher cargo volumes and vessel traffic could support increased trade activity, government revenue and employment across the shipping and logistics sectors.
However, industry stakeholders continue to raise concerns about port charges, infrastructure, congestion and competitiveness compared with neighbouring ports such as Cotonou and Lomé.
