NPA 2025 Report Shows 24.8% Cargo Throughput Surge

The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) released a report detailing a historic surge in Nigeria's maritime sector, with total cargo throughput increasing by 24.8%, from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to 129.3 million metric tons in 2025. Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of NPA, emphasized that this growth marks a significant annual increase in Nigeria's maritime history.

The report highlights that exports accounted for 39.0% of total cargo throughput, while inward traffic represented 59.2%, and transship contributed 1.8%. Analysts attribute the growth in export volume to the federal government's economic diversification initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.

Container cargo saw a notable increase of 25.7%, surpassing 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Lekki Port emerged as the leading port, handling 40.6% of the nation's total cargo throughput.

The report underscores a structural shift in vessel traffic and highlights the rise in import transship cargo, particularly container goods destined for West and Central African ports.