Vehicle imports rise 67% as Nigerian ports record strong Q1 growth

The number of vehicles imported through Nigerian ports rose significantly in the first quarter of 2026, increasing by 67 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Data contained in the NPA’s Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review showed that 58,870 vehicles were handled across the country’s ports between January and March 2026, up from 35,262 units recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The report also revealed that Nigeria’s maritime sector experienced strong operational growth during the quarter, with Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million. The development points to the growing use of larger-capacity vessels at Nigerian ports as the government intensifies reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to the NPA, the rise in vessel tonnage indicates improved cargo-carrying efficiency and increasing confidence among international shipping companies in Nigeria’s port system.

The authority attributed the growth in vehicle traffic partly to the increasing role of the Lekki Deep Seaport and expanding trade activities, noting that the sector is gradually shifting towards the use of larger and more efficient vessels.

The report stated that the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise port infrastructure, improve cargo handling operations, and attract more regional cargo traffic under AfCFTA are contributing to the positive performance recorded across the sector.

Cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals, also increased during the quarter, rising by 11.6 per cent from 29.02 million metric tons in Q1 2025 to 32.38 million metric tons in Q1 2026.

The NPA linked the increase to higher trade volumes, improved import and export activities, enhanced port productivity, and sustained demand for port services.

Outward cargo traffic recorded one of the strongest performances, climbing by 23.7 per cent to 14.13 million metric tons, a development the authority said reflects stronger export competitiveness and deeper integration into regional and global supply chains.

Similarly, outward laden container traffic rose sharply by 67.6 per cent, increasing from 61,332 TEUs in the first quarter of 2025 to 102,803 TEUs in the same period of 2026, driven by improved export logistics and terminal efficiency.

Transhipment container activity also grew by 83.1 per cent, further strengthening Nigeria’s position within regional maritime trade and logistics networks.

The NPA said the overall performance demonstrates that the country’s maritime industry is becoming more cargo-driven and commercially active, with the capacity to support economic growth, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity.

Speaking at an industry forum in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed the need for Nigeria’s ports to become more competitive in the evolving African trade environment.

He said efficiency, innovation, speed, and reliability would determine which countries dominate cargo movement under the continental trade arrangement.

Dantsoho added that Nigeria’s port system could become a major driver of economic growth if the country fully harnesses its marine resources.

He also highlighted ongoing government efforts to digitalise port operations through the Port Community System and the National Single Window platform to improve cargo clearance, reduce delays, and enhance transparency.

The government has equally expanded investments in rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridors to ease cargo evacuation and reduce congestion around port areas.