Nigeria Ports Surge 24.8% In 2025

Lagos – Nigeria’s maritime sector has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, with total cargo throughput surging by 24.8 percent to over 129.3 million metric tons, up from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024, as detailed in the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) latest Operational Performance Report. This impressive growth, one of the highest in the nation’s port history, underscores the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil dependency.

NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, hailed the performance as a game-changer, stating it enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade arenas. Imports dominated the cargo mix at 59.2 percent, while exports rose to 39 percent, reflecting a strategic push towards non-oil exports. Transshipment activities contributed 1.8 percent, signaling Nigeria’s emerging role as a logistics pivot for West and Central Africa.

Container traffic, a vital indicator of trade vitality, climbed 25.7 percent to exceed 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). Exports in this category grew by 3.1 percent, imports jumped 32.8 percent, and transshipment containers exploded by 205.8 percent, further cementing the ports’ hub potential.

Lekki Port emerged as the frontrunner, handling 40.6 percent of national cargo volumes and accommodating the largest vessels with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712.

Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, boasting vessels averaging 53,022 GRT, while Apapa Port managed 16.7 percent. Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest ship call frequency at 22.7 percent.

As previously reported by NaijaChoice in the article on Dangote Refinery’s developments in Lekki, the area’s infrastructure has been pivotal in attracting major investments, now translating into operational successes across the sector.

Overall, ship calls increased by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels in 2025. Liquid bulk commodities led at 54.7 percent of total cargo, with containerized goods at 24 percent. Analysts attribute this to evolving vessel sophistication aligning with international standards.

The report highlights transshipment’s growing significance, particularly for containers bound for other African nations, generating additional revenue for the NPA and positioning Nigeria as a key regional player.

Maritime experts noted, “The uptick in exports and transshipment validates ongoing reforms to lessen oil reliance and elevate port efficiency.”

Looking forward, Dr. Dantsoho is optimistic about sustained momentum through port upgrades, including the National Single Window system, berth deepening, quay rehabilitation, and digital enhancements to slash turnaround times and boost safety.

This 2025 performance cements Lekki and other ports as cornerstones of Nigeria’s diversification drive, fostering regional trade leadership and deeper global supply chain integration.