The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has disclosed that the country recorded growth in vessel traffic, cargo throughput, container movements and vehicle traffic, among other indicators, in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

This was contained in the NPA Operational Performance Report for the Second Quarter of 2026, which revealed an overall improvement in operational activities.

Analysis of the report showed that vessel traffic rose by 14.4 per cent, as the number of ocean-going vessels completed increased from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026.

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.

Further breakdown of the report showed that cargo throughput increased by 12.3 per cent, from 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.

An analysis of cargo throughput by type of trade showed 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.”

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 increased by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

Container traffic also 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 no recorded movement during the corresponding period of 2025.

This, the report said, “reflects the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.”

According to the report, a total of 44,147 vehicles were handled in Q2 2026, compared with 37,306 units recorded in Q2 2025, representing an increase of 18.3 per cent.

Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscored the continued resilience of the nation’s seaports in facilitating trade and improving competitiveness.

While commenting on the stellar performance, Dantsoho said the increase was indicative of improved automobile import activities, attributable largely to exchange-rate stability.

According to him, the report identified the continued growth in transshipment traffic as a significant development within the Nigerian port system.

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

He said overall, the report showed that positive growth was recorded across most operational indicators, particularly cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container traffic and vehicle traffic.

Commenting further, Dantsoho said the NPA’s core priority for 2026 was a massive infrastructure overhaul, complemented by digital reforms and operational efficiency improvements.

He said stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, starting with the groundbreaking of the port modernisation projects.

“The centrepiece 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 is 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,” he said.

He noted that NPA was prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline operations and reduce manual bottlenecks.

Dantsoho said this would integrate with the National Single Window (NSW) to create a unified digital trade ecosystem.