Nigeria’s port ship traffic, exports, and overall cargo have recorded significant increases in the third quarter of 2025, according to new data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The total cargo handled across the nation’s ports rose to 33.52 million metric tons, representing a 16.2 percent increase from the 28.84 million metric tons recorded in the same period of 2024.
The data shows a notable surge in export-laden containers, with a 1,085 percent increase, highlighting a major boost in non-oil export activities. Total container traffic rose by 18.9 percent to 546,931 TEUs, up from 460,038 TEUs a year earlier. Import-laden containers increased by 33.1 percent to 268,713 TEUs, while export containers jumped sharply to 69,039 TEUs from just 5,812 TEUs in Q3 2024.
Ship calls also recorded notable growth during the quarter, with the number of vessels calling at Nigerian ports rising by 8.4 percent to 1,074 ships, compared with 991 vessels in Q3 2024. The total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) increased by 18 percent to 42.64 million, indicating a rise in the number of larger vessels entering Nigerian ports.
A port-by-port analysis reveals that Tin Can Island Port accounted for the highest share of ship calls at 22.7 percent, closely followed by Apapa Port at 22.2 percent. Lekki Port handled the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244, followed by Onne Port at 51,276 GRT. Cargo throughput figures further underscored Lekki Port’s growing dominance, as it accounted for 46.8 percent of total cargo handled in Q3 2025.
The strong results have been attributed to the impact of the Federal Government’s export-driven economic reforms and the strategic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Ongoing port modernization projects, the rollout of export processing terminals, and digital initiatives such as the electronic truck call-up system have reduced congestion, improved efficiency, and boosted confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Q3 figures highlight the growing role of the ports in driving Nigeria’s non-oil export push and strengthening the country’s position in regional and global trade under the government’s broader economic diversification and blue economy agenda. The increase in cargo handling and ship calls is expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth, with the ports playing a critical role in facilitating trade and commerce.
