Nigeria’s container traffic surges 33% in Q3 2025 as trade activity rebounds

....as NPA expect 33 ships to berth at Lagos ports

Import-laden container traffic into Nigerian seaports rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the third quarter of 2025, according to operational data released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), signaling a significant boost in the country’s trade activity.

This is even as no fewer than 33 ships laden with petroleum products, commodities and other goods are expected to arrive at the Apapa, Tin-Can Island and Lekki Deep Sea Ports in Lagos between January 30 and January 31, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said.

Data obtained showed that export-laden containers recorded an even more dramatic increase, rising to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs in the corresponding period of 2024.

The figures also indicated a strong recovery in ship traffic, with vessel calls increasing by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships during the period under review. 

Total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) climbed by 18 per cent to 42.64 million, reflecting the arrival of larger and more capacity-heavy vessels at Nigerian ports.

Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the major driver of the growth, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total cargo handled in the third quarter of 2025, followed by Onne Port, which contributed 17 per cent. In terms of vessel size, Lekki Port also received the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244.

The surge in export container volumes contributed to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, indicating an improved balance between imports and exports. 

The NPA disclosed this in its publication, Shipping Position, a copy of which was made available to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to the authority, 22 of the expected vessels are carrying containers loaded with various goods, while the remaining ships are laden with condensate, crude oil, bulk bitumen, gasoline, diesel, petrol and general cargo.

The NPA further noted that 10 ships and tanker vessels have already arrived at the three ports and are currently waiting to berth.

These vessels are conveying products such as diesel, crude oil, bulk urea, general cargo, containers, petrol, empty containers and bulk sugar.

In addition, the authority stated that 21 ships are presently discharging cargoes at the ports. The cargoes include bulk pallets, general goods, fresh fish, containers, bulk salt, bulk sugar, diesel and aviation fuel.

The NPA said the steady inflow of vessels reflects sustained maritime activities at the Lagos ports, which remain Nigeria’s busiest hubs for international trade and petroleum imports.

Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority,  Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s described 2025 as a transformational year for the country’s maritime sector, noting that the Authority is riding an unprecedented wave of growth.

According to him, since his appointment as the helmsman of the NPA, deliberate reforms have revitalised the agency and repositioned Nigeria’s ports as efficient hubs capable of supporting national economic growth.

Dantsoho, who is also the Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), attributed the strong performance to the Federal Government’s export-driven economic reforms and growing investor confidence.

“The figures reflect improved operational efficiency across all pilotage districts and the ongoing port modernisation efforts and digital platform expansions,” he stated.

He further noted that the Authority’s achievements in 2025 underscore its focus on innovation and excellence across port operations.

“From berthing its first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel to posting impressive performance metrics, NPA is solidifying its role in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future. Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO Council after 14 years hiatus marked a significant milestone, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.”