Nigerian ports recorded an 11.3 per cent increase in container traffic in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

The figure rose from 541,229 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) recorded in Q2, 2025, to 602,392 TEUs, according to data by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Vehicle traffic also increased, with 44,147 units handled in Q2, compared with 37,306 units a year earlier, representing an 18.3 per cent increase.

As per the NPA Operational Performance Report for Q2, inward laden containers grew 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 traffic increased by 13.9 per cent.

The report revealed that cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2, up from 31,825,592 metric tonnes in the corresponding period in 2025.

According to the report, inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent.

The report also showed that inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo surged by 22 per cent, representing stronger export activity during the period.

Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, representing about 1.4 per cent of total throughput, while transshipment container traffic stood at 29,038 TEUs.

On vessel traffic, ocean-going vessels increased to 1,201 in Q2 2026, up from 1,050 in Q2 2025, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.

The gross registered tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels rose by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.

On activity involving service boats, the number of service boats completed rose by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while their associated GRT surged by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

The authority attributed the vehicle traffic growth largely to improved automobile import activities and foreign exchange (FX) rate stability.

The NPA stressed that the continued growth in transshipment traffic positions Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub.

Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director, NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the growth in cargo volume, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026 underscored the growing capacity of the country’s seaports to facilitate trade and improve competitiveness.

He said the development also reflected the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system and could strengthen the country’s position as a regional maritime hub.

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

Dantsoho identified the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as a centrepiece of the programme, noting that Apapa was nearly 100 years old, while Tin Can Island is more than 50 years old.

He also said the NPA was prioritising full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline port operations and reduce manual bottlenecks, noting that it would complement the National Single Window (NSW) and create a more unified digital trade environment.