LAGOS, May 11 — The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said the country’s maritime sector posted robust growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by higher cargo volumes, larger vessels and ongoing port reforms.
Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, told reporters in Lagos on Sunday that gross registered tonnage (GRT) of ocean‑going ships rose 19.5 percent to 46.75 million, reflecting greater cargo efficiency and increasing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports. The surge, he explained, is largely attributable to the deployment of bigger vessels servicing the newly operational Lekki Deep Sea Port and to expanding intra‑regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Ports must evolve beyond old limits. Efficiency, speed and reliability will determine who leads African trade,” Dantsoho said.
During the same period, total cargo throughput climbed 11.6 percent year‑on‑year to 32.38 million metric tonnes. Outbound cargo rose 23.7 percent to 14.13 million tonnes, while outbound laden containers jumped 67.6 percent to 102,803 TEUs. Vehicle traffic increased 67 percent to 58,870 units and transshipment containers surged 83.1 percent, underscoring Nigeria’s growing role as a regional hub.
“The time has come to fully utilise our marine resources. Ports can drive major economic growth if properly harnessed,” Dantsoho added.
The growth comes as the Tinubu administration accelerates a series of reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier maritime gateway. The government has approved a US$1 billion upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, while a Memorandum of Understanding for the projects is now in force. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola confirmed that procurement processes are under way for similar upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar, seeking balanced development across the coastline.
Oyetola highlighted the rollout of a Port Community System and a National Single Window, initiatives expected to cut delays, lower operating costs and improve transparency. He also noted parallel investments in rail links, inland dry ports, barging services and export corridors designed to ease congestion and speed cargo evacuation.
According to the NPA, Nigeria has gone more than four years without a piracy incident under the Deep Blue Programme, a record that contributes to the sector’s rising attractiveness.
Despite handling only about 25 percent of West Africa’s cargo, Nigeria accounts for roughly 60 percent of the region’s gross domestic product. Dantsoho warned that the gap represents untapped potential. “With sustained commitment, Nigeria’s port system will emerge as Africa’s leading maritime logistics hub,” he said.
The latest figures suggest that the combination of infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and regulatory reforms is beginning to bear fruit, positioning the country’s ports for a more decisive role in continental trade.
