Nigerian Ports See 12.3% Growth in Cargo Throughput

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) released its Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, indicating a 12.3% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput, rising from 31,825,592 metric tonnes in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes. The number of ocean-going vessels handled increased by 14.4%, from 1,050 to 1,201, while the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of these vessels rose by 22.2%, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.

Container traffic grew by 11.3%, and vehicle traffic surged by 18.3%. Inward cargo accounted for 56.8% of total cargo, with outward cargo increasing by 22%, highlighting stronger export activity.

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of NPA, emphasized the resilience of Nigerian ports in facilitating trade. Service boat operations also saw a 22.3% increase, with GRT rising by 62.4%.

These results reflect the federal government's ongoing reforms in the maritime sector aimed at enhancing trade competitiveness and diversifying the economy.