Vehicle imports increase by 67% as Nigerian ports record strong quarter…

According to the Nigerian Ports Authority, the number of vehicles imported through Nigerian ports increased significantly in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by 67% compared to the same period in 2025.

Data contained in the NPA’s Q1 2026 operational performance review showed that 58,870 vehicles were handled at the country’s ports between January and March 2026, compared to 35,262 units recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The report also revealed that Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth during the quarter, with gross tonnage recorded for ocean-going vessels increasing by 19.5% to 46.75 million. The development points to the growing use of larger capacity vessels in Nigerian ports as the government steps up reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a regional trading hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to the NPA, the increase in vessel tonnage indicates improved efficiency in the transportation of goods and growing confidence among international shipping companies in Nigeria’s port system.

The authority attributed the growth in car traffic partly to the growing role of the Lekki deep seaport and the expansion of commercial activities, stressing that the sector is gradually shifting towards the use of larger and more efficient vessels.

The report states that the federal government’s efforts to modernize port infrastructure, improve cargo handling operations and attract more regional cargo traffic under the AfCFTA are contributing to the positive performance recorded across the sector.

Cargo volume, excluding crude oil terminals, also increased during the quarter, increasing 11.6% from 29.02 million tonnes in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million tonnes in Q1 2026.

The NPA linked the increase to higher trade volumes, improved import and export activities, increased port productivity and sustained demand for port services.

Outbound freight traffic recorded one of the strongest performances, increasing by 23.7% to 14.13 million tonnes, a development that the authority said reflects greater export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.

Similarly, outbound laden container traffic increased significantly by 67.6%, from 61,332 TEU in the first quarter of 2025 to 102,803 TEU in the same period in 2026, thanks to improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.

Container transhipment activity also grew by 83.1%, further strengthening Nigeria’s position within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.

The NPA said the overall performance demonstrates that the country’s maritime industry is becoming increasingly cargo-oriented and commercially active, with the capacity to support economic growth, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.

Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted the need for Nigeria’s ports to become more competitive in the evolving African trading environment.

Several injured as alleged herdsmen attack Edo community, sparking youth mobilization

He said efficiency, innovation, speed and reliability will determine which countries will dominate the movement of goods under the continental trade agreement.

Dantsoho added that Nigeria’s port system could become a major driver of economic growth if the country fully exploited its marine resources.

He also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the government to digitize port operations through the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to improve cargo clearance, reduce delays and increase transparency.

The government has equally expanded investments in rail integration, inland ports, barging operations and export corridors to facilitate cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port areas.

Related