The Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector are beginning to yield results, as cargo throughput at Nigerian ports rose by 12.3 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, while vessel traffic increased by 14.4 per cent.

The development was contained in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, which showed broad-based growth in key port activities, including cargo handling, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic.

According to the report, cargo throughput increased from 31,825,592 metric tonnes in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026. Inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total throughput, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent. Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, or about 1.4 per cent of the total.

The report showed that inward cargo grew by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo surged by 22 per cent, indicating an improvement in export-related activities during the period under review.

Ocean-going vessel traffic also recorded significant growth, with completed vessels rising from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase. The Gross Registered Tonnage of the vessels also rose by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.

Service boat operations recorded even stronger growth. Completed service boats increased by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while their associated Gross Registered Tonnage jumped by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

Container traffic equally expanded by 11.3 per cent, increasing from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026. Inward laden containers rose by 6.3 per cent and accounted for about 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.

While outward laden containers declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, empty container movements increased by 13.9 per cent. Transshipment container traffic, which had no recorded movement in Q2 2025, reached 29,038 TEUs in Q2 2026.

Vehicle traffic also increased by 18.3 per cent, with 44,147 units handled during the quarter compared with 37,306 units in the corresponding period of 2025. The NPA attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activities amid greater exchange-rate stability.

Commenting on the performance, NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian ports and their growing competitiveness.

He said the authority’s priority for 2026 was a massive infrastructure overhaul complemented by digital reforms and improvements in operational efficiency.

According to him, the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports remains central to the NPA’s strategy, alongside support for the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea port projects and the revitalisation of Eastern Ports to reduce pressure on Lagos.

Dantsoho also highlighted the implementation of the Port Community System and its integration with the National Single Window as key measures to streamline port operations, reduce manual bottlenecks and create a more efficient digital trade ecosystem.

He said the NPA was also strengthening technology-driven security for 24-hour port operations and collaborating with customs agents and other stakeholders to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation.

The NPA said sustained investment in port infrastructure, modernisation and commercial engagement with shipping lines would further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional transshipment hub, with the potential to lower logistics costs, increase trade volumes and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.