Surging Cargo at Lekki Deep Sea Port Erodes Apapa’s Market Share
New data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Lekki Deep Sea Port is steadily cutting into Apapa Port’s dominance in Nigeria’s maritime trade. In Q1 2026, Apapa’s export share dipped from 86.1% to 73.1%, while Lekki’s export volumes climbed from N303.6 billion to N3.29 trillion, raising its export share to 15.5%. Imports through Lekki also grew to N2.51 trillion, boosting its share to 18.4%. Tin Can Island and Onne ports showed mixed performance, with stable import figures but varying export results. Other trade points such as the Lagos Free Trade Zone and Seme Border Post saw modest shifts in cargo flows. Lekki’s rapid rise is attributed to its deep-water capacity and strategic location in the free trade zone, attracting major industrial exporters like the Dangote Refinery. This shift underscores how new infrastructure and global trade disruptions are reshaping Nigeria’s port landscape.
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