Nigeria’s exports have increased by more than 25 per cent over the past two years, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a development that highlights the growing importance of international trade to the country’s economic diversification efforts.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed the figures while speaking at the Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours.
The development was reported by Punch Newspapers on November 5, 2026.
Dantsoho attributed the improvement to government policies and reforms introduced to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector and improve the movement of cargo through the country’s ports.
He explained that Nigeria’s large population provides the country with a significant advantage over several other economies in West and Central Africa.
The NPA managing director also pointed to improvements in cargo throughput, indicating that recent reforms have contributed to increased activity within the country’s port system.
Export growth is important to Nigeria because the country has historically depended heavily on crude oil earnings for foreign exchange and government revenue.
Expanding non-oil exports can help reduce this dependence by creating additional sources of foreign exchange and supporting productive activities across different sectors.
Agricultural commodities, manufactured products, solid minerals and processed goods are among the areas that could contribute to Nigeria’s export diversification.
However, the ability to increase exports depends on several factors, including production capacity, product quality, transportation costs and access to international markets.
Ports play a central role in this process because they provide the infrastructure required to move goods from Nigerian businesses to international buyers.
Efficient port operations can reduce delays, lower logistics expenses and improve the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
On the other hand, congestion, inadequate infrastructure and complicated clearance procedures can increase costs for exporters and discourage businesses from participating in international trade.
The NPA has therefore continued to emphasise the importance of modernising port operations and improving the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Cargo throughput is an important measure of port activity because it reflects the volume of goods handled through maritime facilities.
An improvement in cargo throughput can indicate stronger trade activity, although it does not automatically mean that every sector of the economy is experiencing similar export growth.
For Nigerian businesses, the reported 25 per cent increase represents an encouraging development.
Small and medium-sized enterprises involved in agricultural processing, manufacturing and commodity trading could benefit from improved access to international markets.
However, exporters still face challenges relating to financing, quality certification, foreign exchange availability, transportation and access to reliable shipping services.
Agricultural exporters, for example, must meet international standards relating to food safety, packaging, storage and pest control.
Manufacturers also require consistent access to electricity, raw materials and transportation infrastructure to remain competitive.
These challenges demonstrate that port reforms alone cannot determine the long-term success of Nigeria’s export sector.
There must also be improvements in production, processing and logistics across the wider economy.
The reported increase is nevertheless significant because it suggests that Nigeria’s efforts to improve trade performance may be producing positive results.
The country’s position in West and Central Africa also gives it an opportunity to serve as an important regional trading centre.
Its population, industrial potential and access to maritime routes provide opportunities for businesses seeking to expand beyond domestic markets.
The government and relevant agencies will therefore need to sustain reforms that make exporting easier and more affordable.
Improving port efficiency, strengthening customs procedures and investing in transportation infrastructure could further support the movement of goods.
It will also be important to ensure that export growth is supported by reliable statistical reporting so that policymakers and businesses can assess progress accurately.
While the NPA’s reported figures provide an encouraging indication of trade expansion, the sustainability of the growth will depend on continued investment and stronger coordination among relevant institutions.
Ultimately, increased exports can support foreign exchange earnings, business expansion, job creation and economic diversification.
Nigeria’s ability to build on the reported 25 per cent growth will depend on turning improvements in port activity into stronger production capacity and greater competitiveness in international markets.
Source: Punch Newspapers, November 5, 2026; statement by NPA Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
