NPA Sustains Growth Trajectory in Q1 2026. Gross Registered Tonnage Reaches 46.75m as Cargo Throughput Hits 32.38m Tons
NPA Sustains Growth Trajectory in Q1 2026. Gross Registered Tonnage Reaches 46.75m as Cargo Throughput Hits 32.38m Tons
By Okezie S. Nnadi
…Larger vessels drive 19.5% surge as vehicle traffic jumps 67%.
Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rising 19.5% year-on-year to 46.75 million. The increase underscores the growing dominance of larger-capacity ships at the nation’s ports, supported by ongoing reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority, the rise in vessel tonnage signals improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports.
The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels. This trend is being driven in part by the operational impact of Lekki Deep Sea Port and by expanding demand for maritime trade across West Africa.
The strong performance comes at a time when the federal government is intensifying efforts to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure, improve cargo-handling efficiency, and capture a larger share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently stated that Nigerian ports must evolve beyond traditional limitations if the country is to compete effectively in a rapidly integrating African market.
Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho said efficiency, speed, innovation, and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows in the new continental trade environment.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy toward the full utilisation of our marine resources,” he said. “Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth.”
Total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, also posted strong growth during the quarter, increasing 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons from 29.02 million metric tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The NPA attributed the growth to rising trade volumes, stronger import and export activities, improved port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.
One of the strongest performances during the period came from outward cargo traffic, which surged 23.7% to 14.13 million metric tons, reflecting stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic recorded exceptional growth of 67.6%, rising from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, a performance linked to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.
Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67% to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year.
The report further highlighted an 83.1% increase in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Industry analysts said the increase in transshipment activity is particularly significant because it suggests Nigeria is beginning to attract more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a critical objective as AfCFTA gradually dismantles trade barriers across the continent.
The maritime reforms being pursued under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have centred on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation, and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming the country into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
A major component of the reforms is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of a $1 billion MOU to overhaul longstanding infrastructure deficiencies for improved port competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed that procurement processes are underway for upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports as part of efforts to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
Alongside physical infrastructure upgrades, the government is pushing an aggressive digitalisation agenda through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays, and improve transparency.
Industry stakeholders believe these initiatives could significantly lower the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors.
Security improvements within Nigerian waters have further strengthened confidence in the sector. Nigeria has now recorded over four years without piracy incidents, a development attributed to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that the maritime sector is evolving into a more cargo-intensive and commercially dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity.
Despite the progress, Dantsoho acknowledged that Nigeria still handles only about 25% of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60% of the region’s GDP, stressing that the country must sustain ongoing reforms to fully optimise its 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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