The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) concluded 2025 having delivered a dramatic turnaround in port performance, boosting trade and raising Nigeria’s profile in global maritime affairs. Under Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, appointed in July 2024, ports have recorded improved efficiency, stronger trade flows and renewed investor confidence.
Nigeria maritime transformation drives trade and efficiency
Operational data released by the NPA showed a sharp upswing in the third quarter of 2025. Total container traffic rose by 18.9% to 546,931 TEUs, while import-laden containers climbed 33.1% and export-laden containers surged to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 in Q3 2024. Export volumes rose so markedly that empty container traffic dropped by 21.5%, reflecting a healthier balance between imports and exports.
Vessel calls increased by 8.4% to 1,074 ships and Gross Registered Tonnage grew by 18% to 42.64 million. Lekki Deep Seaport and Onne Port led the gains, handling 46.8% and 17% of total cargo respectively. Authorities attribute the rise to port modernisation, digital platforms and the Federal Government’s export-driven reforms.
Dr Dantsoho said the figures reflect improved operational efficiency across pilotage districts, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the wider diplomatic gains that accompanied the on-the-ground progress.
International recognition and regional shipping advances
Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO Council after a 14-year absence was presented as proof of renewed global confidence. The country also recorded diplomatic and institutional wins: Dr Dantsoho’s election as IAPH Vice-President for Africa and his leadership of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa mark a return to regional influence.
On the commercial front, the berthing of MV Ocean Dragon, a 349 TEU container vessel owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, was hailed as a milestone for Nigerian-owned short-sea shipping. The vessel will operate across West Africa, linking Nigeria with Benin, Togo, Ghana and South Africa, and is expected to reduce road congestion and logistics costs while boosting intra-regional trade under AfCFTA.
Digital, green and infrastructure investments
The NPA has moved to digitise port operations with the National Single Window initiative and a planned Port Community System slated for 2026. These platforms will automate cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times and close revenue leakages by ensuring secure trade data flows. In Q3 the Authority also launched an Electronic Call-Up System at Onne Port to tackle congestion and curb extortion by non-state actors.
Complementing digital reforms, a $60 million injection into green port initiatives and a $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernisation programme have been announced. Officials say these investments will reconstruct key port facilities, develop local content and integrate maritime logistics with aviation and rail for a unified trade ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the direction. Bernadine Eloka of Clarion Shipping described the new vessel as a strategic answer to high-risk road transport, while truck drivers and the Nigerian Port Consultative Council praised the electronic call-up system for restoring order and protecting investments.
As 2026 begins, Nigeria’s maritime sector appears poised to build on 2025’s gains. With stronger port performance, international appointments and a clear investment pipeline, the NPA aims to sustain higher trade volumes, lower logistics costs and deepen the country’s role in regional and global shipping.
Key Takeaways:
- Nigeria maritime transformation under NPA leadership has driven major trade and efficiency gains in 2025.
- Record Q3 2025 metrics: container traffic, vessel calls and export containers all rose sharply, driven by ports like Lekki and Onne.
- International recognition grew with Nigeria’s IMO Council re-election and Dr Dantsoho’s IAPH vice-presidency.
- Digital projects and a $1bn port modernisation plan, plus a $60m green investment, are set to deepen regional trade and cut logistics costs.
