Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority announced robust growth in the maritime sector during Q1 2026, fueled by higher cargo volumes, bigger ships, and port modernization efforts.
In a Lagos statement via spokesman Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho highlighted a 19.5% surge in ocean vessel gross registered tonnage to 46.75 million, thanks to larger ships at Lekki Deep Sea Port and boosted regional trade via the African Continental Free Trade Area. Cargo throughput jumped 11.6% year-on-year to 32.38 million metric tonnes, with exports up 23.7% to 14.13 million tonnes and laden containers soaring 67.6% to 102,803 TEUs. Vehicle imports rose 67% to 58,870 units, and transshipment containers climbed 83.1%, underscoring Nigeria’s rising regional trade hub status.
Dantsoho emphasized the need for ports to prioritize efficiency, speed, and reliability to dominate African trade, while crediting President Bola Tinubu’s reforms—including infrastructure upgrades, digital tools, and restructuring—for aiming to make Nigeria Africa’s top maritime center. Key projects include a $1 billion revamp of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, plus ongoing upgrades at Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar ports.
Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola noted advancing procurement for balanced development, alongside the Port Community System and National Single Window to cut delays, costs, and boost transparency. Investments in rail, inland dry ports, barging, and export routes target congestion relief and better cargo movement. Nigeria has enjoyed over four piracy-free years under the Deep Blue Programme.
Despite handling just 25% of West Africa’s cargo—versus the region’s 60% GDP share—Dantsoho affirmed that sustained efforts will position Nigerian ports as the continent’s premier logistics gateway.
