Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity in 2025, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint, according to the 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The report stated that total cargo throughput rose by 24.8 per cent, increasing from approximately 103.6 million metric tonnes in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tonnes in 2025.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
While imports continued to dominate overall cargo traffic, the report highlighted a steady rise in outward trade, with exports accounting for 39.0 per cent of total cargo throughput. Inward traffic represented 59.2 per cent, while transhipment contributed 1.8 per cent. Analysts said the growth in export volumes validates the Federal Government’s economic diversification initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.
Containerised cargo, a key indicator of export trade activity, also grew significantly. Total container traffic increased by 25.7 per cent, surpassing 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units. Of this figure, export containers grew by 3.1 per cent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 per cent. The report further noted a 205.8 per cent increase in transshipment containers, signalling Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal regional logistics and trade hub.
Lekki Port emerged as the leading port in Nigeria, handling 40.6 per cent of the nation’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 per cent, while Apapa Port accounted for 16.7 per cent.
Beyond cargo volume, Lekki Port also attracted the largest vessels, with an average Gross Registered Tonnage of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port at 53,022 GRT. Apapa and Tin Can Island Port received ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
The report underscored a structural shift in vessel traffic. Although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals, accounting for 22.7 per cent of total ship calls, Lekki and Onne ports are increasingly receiving the industry’s “heavyweight” vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger and more valuable cargoes.
Overall, total ship calls rose by nearly 12 per cent to 4,477 vessels, reflecting broad-based growth across operational metrics. Liquid bulk cargo, including fuel and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 per cent, while containerised cargo accounted for 24 per cent. Analysts noted that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic, coupled with container growth, indicate that the maritime sector is gradually aligning with global shipping standards.
The report also highlighted the rising importance of transshipment cargo, particularly containerised goods destined for other West and Central African ports. The 205.8 per cent surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and boosting revenue for the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The 2025 NPA Operational Performance Report signals a transformative phase in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Export-led growth, rising container traffic, and the strategic role of Lekki Port illustrate that the country is not only handling more cargo but also diversifying the types of goods moving through its ports.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem,” maritime analysts said. “The growth in exports and transshipment reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in regional trade.”
With the nation’s ports showing resilience and dynamism, the report reinforced the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more fully into global supply chains.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next phase of growth will be driven by the Federal Government-approved port modernisation programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
The comprehensive port modernisation project is designed to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s port network. The initiative is expected to improve vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly boost operational efficiency across all terminals.
