The Nigerian Ports Authority has reported a 24.8 per cent increase in cargo throughput, rising to 129.3 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same period last year, the authority said on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Ports Authority is the statutory agency responsible for managing and operating Nigeria’s seaports.
Cargo throughput measures the total quantity of goods handled at ports and is an indicator of trade and economic activity.
Performance of port operations affects logistics, commerce, and supply chains across the country.
In a performance report, the NPA said the 129.3 million metric tons of cargo handled in the first three months of 2026 represents a 24.8 per cent increase compared with the 103.6 million metric tons recorded for the same period in 2025.
The authority attributed the growth to higher volumes of both containerised and bulk cargoes passing through Nigerian seaports.
The NPA report showed that container traffic also rose during the period, with more imported and exported goods moving through key ports including Lagos, Tin Can Island, and Port Harcourt.
Officials said increases in imports of foodstuffs, industrial inputs and machinery contributed to the higher cargo volumes.
The authority noted that export cargoes such as agricultural products and other locally manufactured goods also contributed to throughput growth in the quarter.
The reported increase in cargo throughput reflects rising activity at Nigerian seaports and could inform planning for logistics capacity, port infrastructure, and trade facilitation measures.
Continued monitoring of port performance will guide operational adjustments and stakeholder engagement.
