Cargo throughput at Nigerian ports has risen by 12.3 per cent to 35.74 million metric tonnes in the second quarter of 2026, while the number of ocean-going vessels handled increased by 14.4 per cent.
The latest figures, contained in the Nigerian Ports Authority,NPA’s Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, also showed an 11.3 per cent increase in container traffic, an 18.3 per cent rise in vehicle traffic and a significant increase in transshipment activities during the period.
The authority said the performance reflected sustained growth in port operations amid ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, digitalise processes and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Cargo throughput rose from 31.83 million metric tonnes in Q2 2025 to 35.74 million metric tonnes in the corresponding period of 2026.
Outward cargo recorded the strongest growth among the major trade categories, increasing by 22 per cent, while inward cargo rose by 7.7 per cent.
In terms of composition, inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total throughput, outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent, while transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, or about 1.4 per cent of total cargo handled.
The number of ocean-going vessels completed during the quarter also rose from 1,050 to 1,201, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.
The Gross Registered Tonnage of the vessels increased by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes in Q2 2025 to 49.95 million tonnes in Q2 2026.
Service boat operations similarly recorded significant growth, with completed operations rising by 22.3 per cent from 3,554 to 4,347.
The associated Gross Registered Tonnage of service boats increased by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.
Container traffic also expanded during the quarter, rising from 541,229 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026, representing an 11.3 per cent increase.
Inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent and accounted for about 51.5 per cent of total container traffic, while outward laden containers declined by 3.9 per cent.
Empty container movements, however, increased by 13.9 per cent.
A notable development was the emergence of transshipment container traffic, with 29,038 TEUs recorded during the quarter compared with no movement in the corresponding period of 2025.
The NPA said the development indicated growing potential for Nigerian ports to serve as a regional transshipment hub.
Vehicle traffic also increased, with 44,147 units handled during Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units in Q2 2025, representing an 18.3 per cent rise.
The authority attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activities amid greater stability in the foreign exchange market.
Commenting on the performance, NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian seaports and their capacity to facilitate trade.
He said the authority’s priority for 2026 was to combine infrastructure development with digital reforms and improvements in operational efficiency.
According to Dantsoho, the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports remains central to the NPA’s infrastructure plans, alongside support for the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects and the revitalisation of Eastern ports.
He also identified the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) as a priority, saying it would help streamline port operations and reduce manual bottlenecks.
The PCS is expected to complement the National Single Window, which became operational in the first quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to establish a more integrated digital trade system.
Dantsoho said the NPA was also strengthening technology-driven security for 24-hour port operations and working with customs agents and other stakeholders to address congestion and improve cargo evacuation.
According to him, sustained investment in infrastructure and stronger commercial engagement with shipping lines would be critical to converting the growth in transshipment traffic into a longer-term competitive advantage for Nigerian ports.