NPA 2025 Report Highlights Export-Driven Trade Growth, Reflecting FG’s Economic Diversification Agenda

By our Reporter

Nigeria’s maritime industry recorded a landmark rise in activity in 2025, propelled by higher cargo throughput, expanding container traffic, and a stronger export presence — developments that reinforce the Federal Government’s economic diversification drive, according to the 2025 Operational Performance Report issued by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The report shows that total cargo throughput jumped by 24.8 percent, climbing from about 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to more than 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
It further noted that the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the performance as one of the most remarkable annual increases in the history of Nigeria’s maritime sector. He stated that the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s standing as a competitive and strategic force in both regional and international trade.
Although imports still account for the bulk of overall cargo traffic, the report recorded a consistent rise in outbound trade, with exports contributing 39.0 percent of total cargo throughput. Inward cargo represented 59.2 percent, while transshipment made up 1.8 percent. Industry analysts view the steady expansion in export volumes as a clear indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on crude oil, and strengthening non-oil exports.
Containerized cargo — a critical measure of export activity — also posted strong gains. Total container traffic rose by 25.7 percent, exceeding 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). Export containers increased by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent. Notably, transshipment containers recorded an exceptional 205.8 percent rise, highlighting Nigeria’s growing relevance as a regional logistics and trade hub.
The report identified Lekki Port as the leading port facility, accounting for 40.6 percent of the country’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, while Apapa Port handled 16.7 percent.
In terms of vessel size, Lekki Port received the largest ships, recording an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly ahead of Onne Port at 53,022 GRT. Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port welcomed vessels averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT respectively, while Delta Ports managed ships with an average of 17,414 GRT.
The report pointed to a structural shift in vessel traffic patterns. Although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest number of ship calls, accounting for 22.7 percent of total arrivals, Lekki and Onne ports are increasingly attracting larger “heavyweight” vessels, thereby expanding Nigeria’s capacity to manage bigger and more valuable cargo consignments.
Overall ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels, indicating growth across major operational indicators. Liquid bulk cargo — including petroleum products and chemicals — remained dominant at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent. Analysts observed that the growing size and sophistication of vessels, combined with container traffic expansion, demonstrate the sector’s gradual alignment with global shipping standards.
The report also emphasized the rising role of transshipment cargo, especially containerized goods destined for other West and Central African ports. The 205.8 percent surge in transshipment volumes positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and boosting revenue for the NPA.
Overall, the 2025 NPA Operational Performance Report marks a transformative period for Nigeria’s maritime sector. Export-driven growth, increasing container volumes, and the prominence of Lekki Port indicate that the country is not only handling greater cargo volumes but also diversifying the nature of goods processed through its ports.
Maritime analysts described the development as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, noting that the rise in exports and transshipment traffic reflects the impact of policy reforms targeted at lowering dependence on oil revenue and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within regional trade networks.
With the ports demonstrating resilience and sustained growth, the report reinforces the Federal Government’s strategy to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more deeply into global supply chains.
As larger vessels continue to berth at Nigerian ports and cargo diversity expands, the 2025 report positions Lekki Port and the broader port network at the heart of the country’s economic diversification strategy, regional trade leadership, and global maritime aspirations.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed optimism that the next phase of expansion will be propelled by the Federal Government–approved port modernization programme and the rollout of the National Single Window system.
The comprehensive modernization initiative is designed to upgrade ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital systems across the nation’s port network. The programme is expected to enhance vessel turnaround time, cut cargo dwell time, improve safety standards, and significantly raise operational efficiency across all terminals.