NPA reports record Q3 cargo surge, export containers soar over 1,000%

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded one of its strongest quarterly performances in recent years, reporting a 1,085 per cent surge in export-laden containers as total cargo throughput rose to 33.52 million metric tonnes in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.

Operational data released by the Authority on Monday in Abuja showed a 16.2 per cent increase in cargo handled compared with the same period in 2024, when 28.84 million metric tonnes were recorded. 

Analysts attribute the growth to rising trade activity, improved port efficiency, and export-oriented policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Container traffic was a major driver of the growth, increasing by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in Q3 2025 from 460,038 TEUs a year earlier. 

While import-laden containers rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 TEUs, export-laden containers jumped dramatically to 69,039 TEUs from just 5,812 TEUs in the same quarter of 2024. 

The surge in exports also led to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling a stronger balance between imports and exports.

Ship traffic also grew, with vessel calls rising by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships, while total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) increased by 18 per cent to 42.64 million, indicating that Nigerian ports are increasingly handling larger vessels. 

Tin Can Island Port led in the number of ship calls at 22.7 per cent, followed closely by Apapa Port at 22.2 per cent. Lekki Port handled the largest vessels on average, with 57,244 GRT.

Lekki Port also emerged as the dominant cargo hub, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total throughput, followed by Onne (17%), Apapa (15.1%), and Tin Can Island Port (10%). 

Calabar Port recorded the smallest share at 2.1 per cent. By cargo type, Liquid Bulk accounted for 53.8 per cent of throughput, containerised cargo 26.6 per cent, dry bulk 11.3 per cent, and other general cargo 8.2 per cent.

Commenting on the results, NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho attributed the performance to the Federal Government’s export-focused reforms, the policy direction of President Tinubu, and the strategic leadership of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. 

He noted that modernisation initiatives, export processing terminals, and digital platforms such as the electronic truck call-up system have improved efficiency and positioned Nigerian ports as strategic trade gateways.

Industry analysts say the Q3 results highlight the maritime sector’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil export drive, reinforcing the sector’s role in the government’s broader economic diversification and blue economy agenda.