{
  "id": 4554332,
  "title": "Nigerian ports’ cargo rises 12.3%, vessels up 14.4% in Q2 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/nigerian-ports-cargo-rises-12-3-vessels-up-14-4-in-q2-2026",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-31T02:29:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/nigerian-ports-cargo-rises-12-3-vessels-up-14-4-in-q2-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the second quarter of 2026, Nigeria's ports showcased notable growth in their cargo handling capabilities, as reported by the Federal Government's ongoing maritime sector reforms. Cargo throughput surged by 12.3 percent, from 31,825,592 metric tons in the previous quarter to 35,740,362 metric tons. Inward cargo made up 56.8 percent of total cargo, while outward cargo accounted for 41.9 percent. Transshipment cargo, although only 1.4 percent, still played a significant role with 488,364 metric tons.\n\nDr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigeria's seaports and their potential for enhanced trade and competitiveness. Vessel traffic also experienced a 14.4 percent increase, with the number of ocean-going vessels rising from 1,050 to 1,201 and the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) expanding by 22.2 percent from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes. Additionally, the number of service boats grew by 22.3 percent, with their GRT increasing by 62.4 percent.\n\nContainer traffic saw an 11.3 percent rise, with TEUs increasing from 541,229 to 602,392. Inward laden containers grew by 6.3 percent, making up about 51.5 percent of total container traffic, while outward laden containers declined by 3.9 percent. Notably, transshipment container traffic emerged, standing at 29,038 TEUs.\n\nVehicle traffic saw an impressive 18.3 percent increase, rising from 37,306 units to 44,147 units, largely due to improved automobile import activities and exchange-rate stability. The NPA's focus for 2026 is on infrastructure overhaul, digital reforms, and operational efficiency improvements. Key projects include the modernization of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, the development of the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea ports, and revitalizing Eastern Ports. The authority is also implementing the Port Community System and strengthening collaboration with customs agents to boost port operations, lower logistics costs, and enhance trade volumes.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector are beginning to yield results, with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recording significant growth in cargo throughput, vessel traffic, container movements and vehicle traffic in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026. According to the NPA Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, most key performance indicators recorded […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}