Nigeria’s ports handled a total of 58,870 vehicle units in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 67 per cent increase compared to the 35,262 units recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
The figures were contained in the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority, which highlighted strong growth across several operational indicators within the country’s maritime sector.
The statistics of new and used vehicles were however, not available as at press time.
According to the report, the sharp rise in vehicle traffic reflects increasing trade activities, improved cargo handling efficiency and sustained demand for port services across the nation’s seaports.
Industry stakeholders said the performance also points to growing confidence among importers, shipping lines and terminal operators as the Federal Government intensifies reforms aimed at improving port competitiveness and positioning Nigeria as a regional maritime hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The report noted that the maritime sector recorded significant operational growth during the quarter, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
The increase in vessel tonnage, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority, signals improved cargo-carrying efficiency and increasing deployment of larger-capacity vessels within Nigerian ports.
The authority attributed the development partly to the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.
Total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals also increased by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in Q1 2025.
Similarly, outward cargo traffic surged by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, while outward laden container traffic recorded a 67.6 per cent increase, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.
Transshipment container activity equally recorded an 83.1 per cent increase during the period, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently said Nigeria’s ports must become more efficient, innovative and competitive to dominate cargo flows within Africa’s emerging single market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said Nigeria’s marine resources and port infrastructure could become major drivers of economic growth if fully harnessed.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
The maritime reforms being pursued under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
Part of the reforms includes the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval of a $1 billion infrastructure overhaul project to improve port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the Federal Government is advancing digitalisation initiatives through the Port Community System and National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays and improve operational transparency.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Q1 2026 performance demonstrates that Nigeria’s maritime sector is becoming increasingly cargo-intensive, commercially competitive and strategically positioned to support regional trade and economic growth across Africa.
