From left: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr Adegbpyega Oyetola and Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The several reforms embarked by the Federal Government, especially in terms of infrastructure modernisation and automation of Nigeria’s seaport industry are beginning to yield good results as the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, recorded 14.4per cent growth in ship traffic and 12.3per cent in cargo volumes in second quarter (Q2)      of 2026, even as container movements, vehicle traffic among other key performance indicators KPIs, recorded growth within the review period.

According to Operational Performance Report for the Q2, 2026, released by the NPA, outward cargo rose 22 per cent, an indication that transshipment traffic has gained momentum, while container traffic also rose 18.3 per cent to hit 602,392 twenty equivalent units (TEUs,), thus showing an overall growth in operational activities.

Details of the report show that most of the KPIs recorded positive growth, reflecting sustained increases in vessel traffic, cargo throughput, container movements and port utilisation.

 Commenting on the report, Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho said: “The increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscores the continued resilience of the nation’s seaports to facilitate trade and be more competitive.”

A further breakdown of the report shows that cargo throughput rose to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in the review period, representing a 12.3 per cent growth when compared to the 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 of 2025.

Analysis of cargo throughput by type of trade shows that inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent.

Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, representing approximately 1.4 per cent of total cargo throughput.

The report further stated that inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo recorded a 22 per cent increase, “demonstrating improved export performance during the period under review.”

The number of ocean-going vessels completed increased from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing an increase of 14.4 per cent.

Similarly, the Gross Registered Tonnage GRT, of ocean-going vessels increased from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes, representing a growth of 22.2 per cent.

Service boat operations also increased during the quarter.

The number of service boats completed rose by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while the associated Gross Registered Tonnage GRT, grew by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

Container traffic increased by 11.3 per cent, rising from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.

The report stated that inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent, accounting for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.

Outward laden containers declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Transshipment container traffic stood at 29,038 TEUs, compared with the zero recorded movement during the corresponding period of 2025, which reflects the growing importance of transshipment operations within Nigeria’s port system.

Also, Vehicle traffic increased during the period under review, as a total of 44,147 units were handled in Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units recorded in Q2 2025, representing an increase of 18.3 per cent.

The report said the increase was indicative of improved automobile import activities attributable largely to a stability of exchange rate.”

The report identified the continued growth in transshipment traffic as a good development within the country’s port system.

“The emergence and continued growth of transshipment traffic continues to position Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub. The on-going port modernisation when completed with the sustained investment in infrastructure and commercial engagement with shipping lines, will further enhance this opportunity”, the report also said.

Overall, the report stated that positive growth was recorded across most operational indicators, particularly cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container traffic and vehicle traffic.

The report also said: “The Q2 of 2026 recorded encouraging operational performance across the Nigerian ports, with sustained growth in ship traffic, cargo throughput, container movements, vehicle traffic, and berth utilization.”

Commenting further, Dantsoho sad the NPA’s core priority for 2026 is a massive infrastructure overhaul, complemented by digital reforms and operational efficiency improvements. Stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, starting with the groundbreaking of the port modernisation projects.

“The centerpiece is the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. The NPA notes both are outdated—Apapa is nearly 100 years old and Tin Can over 50. NPA is also supporting the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea projects to handle larger vessels and revitalising Eastern Ports to reduce Lagos congestion. NPA is prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System PCS, to streamline operations and reduce manual bottlenecks. This integrates with the National Single Window (NSW) (operational since Q1 2026) to create a unified digital trade ecosystem.

“The authority is enhancing technology-driven security for 24-hour operations and strengthening collaboration with customs agents to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation. NPA is positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s trade nerve The expected impact includes faster operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes, and improved export competitiveness,” the MD further noted.