Nigeria’s Ports See Record Growth as Cargo Throughput Hits 32.38m Tons in Q1

Nigeria’s ports recorded strong growth in Q1 2026. Vessel Gross Registered Tonnage rose 19.5% to 46.75 million, while cargo throughput (excluding crude oil terminals) climbed 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tons. Outward cargo traffic surged 23.7% to 14.13 million metric tons. Container traffic jumped 67.6% to 102,803 TEUs, and vehicle handling rose 67% to 58,870 units. Transshipment container activity also grew by 83.1%, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in regional trade. Officials credit the gains to larger vessels, rising trade demand and maritime reforms. Major port overhauls, new deep-sea facilities and digitalisation efforts through a Port Community System and National Single Window are key to sustaining this momentum.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.