By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria is cementing its status as a regional maritime hub, with the gross registered tonnage of ocean-going vessels surging by 19.5% to reach 46.75 million in Q1 2026.
This significant jump underscores the increasing capacity and efficiency of the nation’s port operations.
The sharp rise signals a decisive shift to larger, more efficient ships, boosted by the Lekki Deep Sea Port and rising demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area, while underscoring growing international confidence in the country’s maritime facilities.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, the tonnage gain reflects improved cargo-carrying capacity and stronger appeal to global shipping lines.
The federal government is accelerating port modernisation, efficiency upgrades and infrastructure expansion to seize a bigger slice of continental cargo flows under AfCFTA.
NPA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho told an industry forum in Lagos that Nigerian ports must move beyond outdated constraints to compete in the new African market.
“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.
Total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, climbed 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million tons in the same period of 2025.
The NPA attributed the increase to higher trade volumes, robust import and export activity, enhanced port productivity and steady demand for services.
Outward cargo traffic recorded the strongest momentum, jumping 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons and pointing to improved export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.
Outward laden container traffic surged even more dramatically by 67.6 per cent, from 61,332 TEUs to 102,803 TEUs, thanks to better export logistics and terminal performance.
Vehicle traffic also posted impressive gains, rising 67 per cent to 58,870 units from 35,262 units the previous year.
In addition, transshipment container activity soared 83.1 per cent, reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role as a key node in West African maritime networks.
Industry analysts described the transshipment spike as particularly meaningful, noting it shows the country is successfully drawing more regional cargo as AfCFTA dismantles trade barriers across the continent.
Reforms under President Bola Tinubu have focused on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional changes designed to transform Nigeria into Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub.
A landmark move is the $1 billion MOU for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port to tackle long-standing deficiencies.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola confirmed that procurement was under way for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced development nationwide.
Complementing the physical works is an aggressive digital push featuring the Port Community System and National Single Window platform to speed up cargo clearance, cut delays and boost transparency.
The government has also poured resources into rail integration, inland dry ports, barging services and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and ease congestion around port gateways.
Maritime security has reached a major milestone, with Nigeria now enjoying more than four years free of piracy incidents, credited to the Deep Blue Programme and strengthened surveillance systems.
The NPA described the quarter’s results as proof that the maritime sector is maturing into a cargo-intensive, commercially vibrant ecosystem capable of driving economic growth, facilitating trade and strengthening regional connectivity.
Dantsoho acknowledged that Nigeria still captures only about 25 per cent of West African cargo traffic despite accounting for over 60 per cent of the region’s GDP.
He stressed the need to maintain reform momentum to unlock the country’s full maritime potential.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he assured.
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