Nigeria's maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels increasing by 19.5 percent to 46.75 million. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in its Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, stated that the increase reflects the growing deployment of larger-capacity vessels across Nigerian ports as reforms continue to position the country as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Vessel Tonnage and Confidence
According to the report, the rise in vessel tonnage indicates improved cargo-carrying efficiency and increasing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigeria's port system. The NPA noted that the development also reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and growing trade demand. The strong performance comes amid ongoing federal government efforts to modernise Nigeria's port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and increase the country's share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.
Dantsoho Calls for Modernisation
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, recently said Nigeria's ports must move beyond traditional operational limitations to compete effectively in the evolving African trade market. Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho emphasised that efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo flows within the continent. He stated, "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."
Cargo Throughput and Export Surge
The report further showed that total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals rose by 11.6 percent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons, compared to 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. Outward cargo traffic posted one of the strongest performances during the quarter, surging by 23.7 percent to 14.13 million metric tons, a development linked to stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.
Similarly, outward laden container traffic rose sharply by 67.6 percent from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, which the authority attributed to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency. Vehicle traffic also witnessed significant growth, with total vehicle units handled increasing by 67 percent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year. The report also highlighted an 83.1 percent increase in transshipment container activity, reinforcing Nigeria's growing relevance within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.
Industry Analysis
Industry analysts said the increase in transshipment activity suggests that Nigeria is gradually attracting more regional cargo movement within West Africa, a key objective as AfCFTA continues to remove trade barriers across the continent. The strong performance underscores the impact of ongoing reforms and investments in the sector.
Tinubu Administration Pushes Maritime Reforms
The maritime reforms being implemented under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu have focused on infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and institutional restructuring aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa. Part of the reforms includes the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port following the approval and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $1 billion overhaul of longstanding infrastructure deficiencies. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also disclosed that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports to ensure balanced port development nationwide.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the government is pursuing an aggressive digitalisation drive through the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to streamline cargo clearance processes, reduce delays and improve transparency. Stakeholders in the sector believe the initiatives could significantly reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports while improving turnaround time and operational efficiency.
Security and Logistics Investments Boost Confidence
The government has also expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port corridors. Security improvements within Nigerian waters have also boosted confidence in the sector, with Nigeria recording over four years without piracy incidents, a development linked to the Deep Blue Programme and enhanced maritime surveillance systems.
According to the NPA, the Q1 performance demonstrates that Nigeria's 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 percent of cargo traffic in West Africa despite accounting for more than 60 percent of the region's GDP. He assured, "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."
