Q2 Report: NPA Post Significant Performance Indicators

The Renewed Hope Agenda by President Bola  Ahmed Tinubu  and its ongoing reforms  are beginning to yield measurable results, as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) records significant growth in cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscored the resilience of Nigerian ports and their growing capacity to facilitate trade and enhance competitiveness.

Cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent, from 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.

By trade type, inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent.

Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, representing approximately 1.4 per cent of total throughput.

The report showed that inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo grew by 22 per cent, indicating a significant improvement in export activity during the period under review. There was also a substantial increase in ocean-going vessel traffic.

The number of ocean-going vessels completed rose from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.

Similarly, the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels increased by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.

Service boat operations also recorded strong growth during the quarter. The number of service boats completed increased by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while the associated GRT climbed by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

Container traffic also maintained its upward trajectory, increasing by 11.3 per cent from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.

According to the report, inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent and accounted for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.

Outward laden containers, however, declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Of particular significance was the emergence of transshipment container traffic, which stood at 29,038 TEUs during the quarter, compared with no recorded movement in Q2 2025.

The NPA said the development reflected the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.

Vehicle traffic also recorded significant growth, with 44,147 units handled in Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units in Q2 2025, representing an 18.3 per cent increase.

The report attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activities and greater stability in the foreign exchange market as NPA identified the continued expansion of transshipment traffic as one of the major developments during the quarter, noting that its growth could strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.

“The emergence and continued growth of transshipment traffic continues to position Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub,” the report stated.

It added that the completion of ongoing port modernisation projects, sustained investment in infrastructure and deeper commercial engagement with shipping lines would further enhance Nigeria’s prospects in the transshipment market.

Overall, the authority described the second quarter performance as encouraging, with positive growth recorded across most major operational indicators, particularly cargo throughput, ship traffic, container movements, vehicle traffic and berth utilisation.

“The Second Quarter of 2026 recorded encouraging operational performance across the Nigerian ports, with sustained growth in ship traffic, cargo throughput, container movements, vehicle traffic, and berth utilisation,” the report stated.

Dantsoho said the NPA’s core priority for 2026 was a massive infrastructure overhaul, complemented by digital reforms and improvements in operational efficiency.

According to him, stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, beginning with the groundbreaking of major port modernisation projects.

He identified the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as the centrepiece of the authority’s infrastructure programme, noting that both facilities had become outdated, with Apapa approaching a century in operation and Tin Can Island more than 50 years old.

He added that the NPA was supporting the development of the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea ports to accommodate larger vessels, while efforts were also being intensified to revitalise the Eastern Ports and reduce the pressure on Lagos.

On digital transformation, Dantsoho said the authority was prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline port operations and eliminate manual bottlenecks.

The PCS, he said, would complement the National Single Window (NSW), which became operational in the first quarter of 2026, creating a more integrated digital trade ecosystem.

He further said the NPA was deploying technology-driven security measures to support 24-hour port operations while strengthening collaboration with customs agents and other stakeholders to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation.

With these measures, the NPA is positioning Nigeria to become a major trade and logistics hub in West Africa.

The expected outcomes, Dantsoho said, include faster port operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes and improved competitiveness for Nigerian exports.