Nigeria ports record 24.8% cargo growth – Report
Nigeria’s maritime industry delivered one of its strongest annual performances in over a decade, as cargo throughput surged by 24.8 per cent in 2025, according to the latest operational data released by the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The comprehensive performance review shows that total cargo handled across the nation’s seaports climbed from approximately 103.6 million metric tonnes in 2024 to more than 129.3 million metric tonnes in 2025.
The figures underline a significant rebound in trade activity and signal renewed investor confidence in port infrastructure and logistics operations.
Industry observers say the milestone captured under Nigeria ports record 24.8% cargo growth – Report reflects not only increased import volumes but also a gradual strengthening of non-oil exports and regional transshipment activity.
Export share rises amid diversification push
While imports still account for the majority of cargo movement, the data indicate that outward shipments are gaining momentum. Exports represented 39 per cent of total throughput in 2025, compared to inward cargo at 59.2 per cent. Transshipment cargo made up the remaining 1.8 per cent.
Maritime economists interpret the rising export ratio as evidence that diversification policies aimed at reducing oil dependency are beginning to translate into measurable logistics activity.
Agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid minerals contributed to outbound growth, strengthening Nigeria’s participation in regional supply chains.
Containerised exports, widely regarded as a barometer of industrial and agro-processing output, also recorded incremental gains. Although import-laden containers expanded at a faster rate, export containers increased steadily, reinforcing signs of improved production capacity.
Container traffic crosses 2.1 million TEUs
One of the standout metrics in the Nigeria ports record 24.8% cargo growth – Report is container throughput, which rose by 25.7 per cent year-on-year to exceed 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Import containers jumped by 32.8 per cent, reflecting robust consumer demand and capital goods inflow. Export containers grew by 3.1 per cent, while transshipment containers recorded a remarkable 205.8 per cent surge — a development analysts describe as transformative for Nigeria’s regional maritime positioning.
The spike in transshipment volumes suggests that international shipping lines increasingly view Nigerian ports as redistribution hubs for cargo destined for neighbouring West and Central African countries.
Lekki Port takes centre stage
Port-specific performance data show a significant shift in cargo concentration. Lekki Port emerged as the dominant gateway, accounting for 40.6 per cent of total national throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 per cent, while Apapa Port handled 16.7 per cent.
Beyond sheer volume, vessel profile analysis highlights the growing sophistication of port operations. Lekki Port recorded the highest average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) at 55,712, narrowly ahead of Onne at 53,022 GRT.
In contrast, Apapa and Tin Can Island ports received comparatively smaller vessels, averaging 33,251 and 36,909 GRT respectively.
Maritime strategists say the capacity to berth larger “new generation” vessels enhances operational efficiency, reduces shipping costs per unit, and strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade corridors.
Ship calls and commodity trends
Total ship calls rose by nearly 12 per cent to 4,477 vessels, indicating broad-based growth across bulk and container segments.
Liquid bulk cargo — including petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied gases — remained the leading commodity group, accounting for 54.7 per cent of total cargo. Containerised cargo followed at 24 per cent, reflecting a maturing logistics mix aligned with global standards.
The report also underscores a structural evolution in port traffic distribution. While Tin Can Island recorded the highest number of vessel arrivals by frequency, Lekki and Onne attracted heavier tonnage ships, suggesting a gradual redistribution of high-value cargo streams toward deeper-draft facilities
Strategic reforms and digital transformation
According to the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, the growth trajectory demonstrates that Nigeria’s ports are transitioning from traditional gateways to integrated trade platforms.
He attributed the strong performance to operational reforms, improved terminal efficiency, and enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private operators.
Looking ahead, the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is expected to deepen the momentum. The initiative includes berth rehabilitation, quay wall reinforcement, expanded cargo-handling capacity, and the deployment of advanced digital tracking systems.
A critical component of this reform agenda is the proposed National Single Window platform, designed to streamline customs clearance and documentation processes. By reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and cargo dwell time, authorities expect further gains in throughput and vessel turnaround efficiency.
Regional hub ambitions
The surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria more competitively within the Gulf of Guinea maritime corridor. Analysts argue that sustained infrastructure investment and regulatory stability could enable the country to rival established regional hubs.
However, experts caution that infrastructure expansion must be complemented by hinterland connectivity upgrades, including rail and road linkages, to prevent congestion and sustain throughput growth.
The findings encapsulated in Nigeria ports record 24.8% cargo growth – Report therefore represent both a milestone and a test. While the performance reflects resilience and expanding trade activity, maintaining momentum will require consistent policy execution, private-sector partnership, and continued infrastructure financing.
If the upward trend continues, Nigeria’s ports could play an increasingly central role in continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, reinforcing the country’s ambition to serve as West Africa’s primary maritime gateway.
