Vehicle imports in Nigeria rose by 67% in Q1 2026 as NPA records stronger cargo traffic and maritime sector growth

The Nigerian Ports Authority has reported a sharp rise in vehicle imports and cargo activities across the nation’s ports in the first quarter of 2026, signalling growing momentum within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

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According to the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance report, total vehicle units handled during the period increased by 67 per cent to 58,870 units, compared to 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The authority said the strong performance reflects increasing trade activity, improved port efficiency and rising confidence among international shipping operators using Nigerian ports.

The report also revealed that Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rose by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million during the quarter, indicating a growing shift towards larger-capacity vessels.

The NPA attributed the trend partly to the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Seaport and expanding regional trade opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to the authority, total cargo throughput excluding crude oil terminals climbed by 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes, up from 29.02 million metric tonnes in Q1 2025.

The report stated that stronger import and export activities, improved cargo handling productivity and sustained demand for port services contributed significantly to the growth.

Outward cargo traffic recorded one of the most impressive gains during the quarter, surging by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tonnes.

The NPA noted that the increase reflects stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.

Outward laden container traffic also rose sharply by 67.6 per cent, increasing from 61,332 twenty-foot equivalent units in Q1 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in Q1 2026.

The authority linked the performance to improved export logistics, enhanced terminal efficiency and stronger operational coordination across port facilities.

Transhipment container activities rose by 83.1 per cent during the period, further strengthening Nigeria’s position within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.

Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said Nigeria must modernise its port system to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving African trade environment.

Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, Dantsoho stressed that efficiency, innovation, speed and reliability would determine which countries emerge as dominant cargo hubs under AfCFTA.

“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.

The Federal Government is currently advancing several infrastructure and digitalisation initiatives across the maritime sector, including the deployment of the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform aimed at streamlining cargo clearance and reducing delays.

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Authorities have also intensified investments in rail connectivity, inland dry ports, barging operations and export corridors to improve cargo evacuation and ease congestion around major port routes.