…Outward cargo rises 22% as transshipment traffic gains momentum
…Container traffic hits 602,392 TEUs, vehicle traffic up 18.3%
The federal government’s reform of the nation’s maritime sector has started to the necessary fruits as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), recorded growth in cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements, vehicle traffic among others in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
This was contained in the NPA Operational Performance Report for the Second Quarter of 2026, which revealed an overall improvement in operational activities.
Analysis of the report showed that most of the key performance indicators recorded positive growth, reflecting sustained increases in vessel traffic, cargo throughput, container movements and port utilisation.
“The increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscores the continued resilience of the nation’s seaports to facilitate trade and be more competitive,” said Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho while commenting on the stelar performance.
A breakdown of the report showed that cargo throughput increased by 12.3 per cent, from 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.
An analysis of cargo throughput by type of trade showed that 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 cargo throughput.
The report further stated that inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo recorded a 22 per cent increase, “demonstrating improved export performance during the period under review.”
The number of ocean-going vessels completed increased from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing an increase of 14.4 per cent.
Similarly, the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels increased from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes, representing a growth of 22.2 per cent.
Service boat operations also increased during the quarter.
The number of service boats completed rose by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while the associated Gross Registered Tonnage increased by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.
Container traffic increased by 11.3 per cent, rising from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.
The report stated that inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent, accounting for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.
Outward laden containers declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
Transshipment container traffic stood at 29,038 TEUs, compared with no recorded movement during the corresponding period of 2025.
This, the report said, reflects the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.”
Also, Vehicle traffic increased during the period under review.
A total of 44,147 units were handled in Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units recorded in Q2 2025, representing an increase of 18.3 per cent.
