NPA Reports 19.5% Growth in Q1 2026 Cargo Throughput

In the first quarter of 2026, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) recorded a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 46.75 million, marking a 19.5% increase. Cargo throughput also rose by 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons, up from 29.02 million metric tons in the same period in 2025.

This growth is attributed to a rise in trade volume, stronger import and export activities, and improved port productivity. Notably, outward cargo traffic surged by 23.7% to 14.13 million metric tons, while laden container traffic increased by 67.6%, reaching 102,803 TEUs.

Vehicle handling saw a significant rise of 67% to 58,870 units. The NPA's Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasized the strategic shift towards larger vessels and the ongoing reforms aimed at making Nigeria a maritime logistics hub in Africa.

The government is also pursuing infrastructural upgrades, including a $1 billion overhaul of the Lagos port complex.