Ports Industry in Nigeria delivered one of its strongest performances on record in 2025, with sweeping gains in cargo volumes, container traffic, vessel size, and transhipment activity, according to the 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The report shows that total cargo throughput rose by 24.8 percent, climbing from about 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to more than 129.3 million metric tons in 2025 — one of the most significant annual increases in the country’s maritime history.
Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the development as a milestone that strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade, noting that the growth reflects deliberate reforms and infrastructure investments across the port system.
While imports continued to account for the larger share of cargo traffic, the report highlighted a notable expansion in outward trade. Exports represented 39.0 percent of total throughput, while inward cargo accounted for 59.2 percent and transshipment contributed 1.8 percent. Analysts say the steady rise in export volumes validates the Federal Government’s push to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on crude oil revenues.
Containerised cargo — a key indicator of trade sophistication and export activity — recorded a 25.7 percent increase, exceeding 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). Export containers grew by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent. Most striking was the 205.8 percent spike in transshipment containers, signalling Nigeria’s growing status as a regional logistics hub serving West and Central Africa.
Among the nation’s ports, Lekki Port emerged as the leading cargo hub, handling 40.6 percent of total throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, while Apapa Port accounted for 16.7 percent.
Lekki Port also attracted the largest vessels, with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly ahead of Onne Port at 53,022 GRT. Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Port recorded average vessel sizes of 36,909 GRT and 33,251 GRT respectively, while Delta Ports handled ships averaging 17,414 GRT.
Although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest number of ship calls, accounting for 22.7 percent of total arrivals, Lekki and Onne increasingly received larger “heavyweight” vessels, underscoring a structural shift toward higher-capacity maritime operations.
Overall ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels in 2025, reflecting broad-based expansion across operational indicators. Liquid bulk cargo — including petroleum products and chemicals — remained dominant at 54.7 percent of total cargo, while containerised goods accounted for 24 percent.
The report underscores the growing importance of transshipment cargo, particularly containerised goods destined for neighbouring ports. The sharp increase in this segment positions Nigeria as a strategic maritime gateway, attracting international shipping lines and boosting revenue generation for the NPA.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next growth phase will be powered by the Federal Government–approved port modernisation programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
The modernisation initiative aims to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across the port network. It is expected to reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly improve operational efficiency nationwide.
