Trade activity surges as NPA moves 32.38m tons cargo, handles 58,870 vehicles in Q1

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reported a strong operational performance in the first quarter of 2026, with cargo throughput rising to 32.38 million metric tons and vehicle imports surging by 67 per cent, signaling growing trade activity and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

According to the Authority’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review, Nigeria’s seaports recorded improvements across cargo volumes, vessel traffic, export operations, transshipment activities, and automotive imports during the period under review.

The report showed that total cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, increased by 11.6 per cent year-on-year from 29.02 million metric tons in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2026.

The growth was attributed to stronger import and export activity, improved terminal efficiency, rising trade volumes, and sustained demand for port services across the country.

One of the quarter’s most notable performances came from vehicle imports, with total units handled at Nigerian ports rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 vehicles, up from 35,262 units recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Industry analysts linked the spike to improved cargo processing efficiency, rising consumer demand, and Nigeria’s growing relevance in regional automotive trade.

Vessel traffic also recorded significant gains, as Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, reflecting increased deployment of larger-capacity vessels to Nigerian ports.

According to the NPA, the trend points to growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigeria’s port system, aided partly by the operational impact of Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding regional trade flows.

Export operations equally posted robust growth, with outward cargo throughput increasing by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons.

Similarly, outward laden container traffic climbed by 67.6 per cent from 61,332 TEUs in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026, indicating stronger export logistics and improved terminal productivity.

Transshipment activities also rose significantly, with container transshipment traffic increasing by 83.1 per cent during the review period.

Maritime experts said the surge highlights Nigeria’s growing strategic importance in regional maritime trade, particularly as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to drive intra-African commerce.

The strong Q1 showing comes amid ongoing federal reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

Part of the reform agenda includes the planned rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port under a $1 billion modernisation programme approved to address aging infrastructure and improve port competitiveness.

The government is also advancing digital reforms through the Port Community System and National Single Window platforms to streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays, and improve transparency.

Industry stakeholders say the combination of infrastructure renewal, digitalisation, and improved security within Nigerian waters is beginning to yield measurable operational gains.

With Nigeria now recording over four years without piracy incidents under the Deep Blue Project, confidence in the maritime sector has continued to strengthen.

The NPA said the Q1 2026 figures reinforce the gradual transformation of Nigeria’s ports into a more efficient, cargo-intensive, and commercially competitive gateway for regional and global trade.