NPA Sees Massive Growth in Export Containers, Cargo Throughput

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has posted an impressive performance in the third quarter of 2025, with a staggering 1,085% surge in export-laden containers and a total cargo throughput of 33.52 million metric tonnes.

This represents a 16.2% increase from the same period in 2024, driven by growing trade activity across Nigerian ports.

Container operations were a key driver of this growth, with total container traffic rising by 18.9% to 546,931 TEUs.

Import-laden containers increased by 33.1% to 268,713 TEUs, while export-laden containers jumped to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs in Q3 2024.

“The sharp rise in export containers also led to a 21.5% reduction in empty container traffic, signalling improved balance between imports and exports and stronger non-oil export activity,” according to operational data released by the Authority.

Ship traffic also saw significant growth, with vessel calls up by 8.4% to 1,074 ships and total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) rising by 18% to 42.64 million.

Lekki Port emerged as the dominant growth driver, handling 46.8% of total cargo, followed by Onne Port with 17%. In terms of vessel size, Lekki Port received the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244.

NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the strong performance to the Federal Government’s export-driven economic reforms and growing investor confidence.

“The figures reflect improved operational efficiency across all pilotage districts,” he said, highlighting ongoing port modernisation efforts and digital platform expansions.

Industry experts suggest that these third-quarter results highlight the maritime sector’s increasing role in advancing Nigeria’s non-oil export goals.

This trend mirrors the federal government’s broader strategy to diversify the national economy away from petroleum reliance.