The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) handled 2,300 ships across the country's ports in the first half of 2026, representing a 6.9% increase over the 2,152 ships recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. This was disclosed by NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, at the quarterly meeting of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) in Lagos. The meeting aimed to discuss measures for improving port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria's maritime sector.
The Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of vessels handled rose by 20.9% to 96.6 million, compared with 79.9 million in the first half of 2025. Dantsoho attributed the increase largely to improved activities at Lekki and Onne ports. He noted that the growth was a positive development for the country's maritime sector. The NPA Principal Manager, Statistics, Mrs Okenwa Igwebuike, represented Dantsoho at the meeting.
Total cargo throughput across the nation's ports rose from 60.8 million metric tonnes in H1 2025 to 68.2 million tonnes during the period under review, representing a 12.2% year-on-year growth. Inward cargo increased to 38.4 million tonnes from 36.3 million tonnes, while outward cargo rose by 23.5% to 29.2 million tonnes. Lekki Port accounted for nearly 40% of national cargo throughput.
Container traffic increased by 10.3% to 815,236 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), from 739,142 TEUs recorded in H1 2025. Imports accounted for 546,755 TEUs, representing 67% of total container traffic, while container exports stood at 203,980 TEUs, or 25%. Transshipment traffic surged by 169.5% to 35,574 TEUs, although the segment still accounted for only 4% of total container throughput.
Vehicle handling also recorded significant growth during the period, rising by 42.5% to 103,375 units from 72,568 units in the corresponding period of 2025. The increase was attributed largely to transshipment operations at the Ports and Terminals Multiservices Limited (PTML) facility at Tin Can Island Port. Onne Port contributed 22.7% to the growth, supported by liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Despite the growth in port activity, Dantsoho said vessel turnaround time increased by 6% from five days to 5.3 days, while overall berth occupancy rose by 3.1% to 36.1%. He described the Dangote Refinery as a "game changer" for port operations, noting that its planned expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day would require additional infrastructure investment and a balanced tariff policy across the country.
Dantsoho identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting the Authority's ability to respond promptly to operational emergencies. He called for stakeholders' support in engaging the Federal Government on an 80:20 revenue-sharing arrangement in favour of the NPA. Stakeholders at the meeting highlighted digitalisation, improved cargo evacuation, and stronger inter-agency cooperation as measures for enhancing the ease of doing business at the ports.
Key points
- The Nigerian Ports Authority handled 2,300 ships in H1 2026, recording a 6.9% increase from 2025.
- Cargo throughput rose 12.2% to 68.2 million tonnes in H1 2026.
- Lekki Port accounted for nearly 40% of national cargo throughput.
