Nigeria's Maritime Sector Grows 19.5% in Q1 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria's maritime sector reported a significant growth of 19.5% in gross registered tonnage, totaling 46.75 million metric tons, according to the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA). This increase reflects a rise in export activities and a shift towards larger, more efficient vessels, despite a decrease in the number of vessel calls.

The growth is a direct outcome of the broader maritime reform agenda initiated by President Bola Tinubu's administration, which aims to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, emphasized the need for Nigeria to improve its port efficiency to capture more regional cargo opportunities, as the country currently handles only 25% of West Africa's cargo traffic.

The administration's creation of a federal ministry for the marine and blue economy signals a strategic shift towards unlocking an estimated $3 trillion in blue economy opportunities through policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades.