By Oluwakemi Kindness
Nigeria’s ports recorded a strong increase in cargo activity in the second quarter of 2026, with total throughput rising by 12.3 per cent to 35.74 million metric tonnes.
The figure, contained in the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Q2 2026 Operational Performance Report, represents an increase from the 31.83 million metric tonnes recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The report also shows a 14.4 per cent rise in ocean-going vessel traffic, from 1,050 vessels in Q2 2025 to 1,201 vessels during the period under review.
Outward cargo posted the strongest growth, increasing by 22 per cent, while inward cargo rose by 7.7 per cent.
Transshipment activity also gained momentum, with 488,364 metric tonnes recorded during the quarter, accounting for about 1.4 per cent of total cargo throughput.
Container traffic increased by 11.3 per cent to 602,392 TEUs, compared with 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025. Transshipment containers also recorded significant growth, reaching 29,038 TEUs from zero movement in the same period last year.
Vehicle traffic followed the upward trend, climbing 18.3 per cent from 37,306 units to 44,147 units.
The NPA attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activity and greater exchange-rate stability.
The NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the authority would sustain efforts to improve port infrastructure, digitalise operations and boost efficiency across the maritime sector.
Dantsoho said the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, support for the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects, and the revitalisation of the Eastern Ports would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
He added that the full implementation of the Port Community System remains a priority, noting that it would work alongside the National Single Window to reduce manual bottlenecks and create a more integrated digital trade environment.
According to the NPA chief, the reforms are expected to deliver faster port operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes and stronger export competitiveness.
The latest performance also strengthens Nigeria’s ambition to position its ports as a major regional hub for transshipment and international trade.
