NPA reports 24.8% surge in cargo throughput to 129.3m metric tons
Nigerian Ports Authority Reports 24.8% Increase in Cargo Throughput for 2025
By Cynthia Alo
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a significant increase in cargo throughput for 2025, reaching 129.3 million metric tons. This figure represents a 24.8% rise from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024, highlighting robust growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report indicates that exports were a key driver in this trade expansion. Although imports remained the majority of cargo volumes, exports comprised 39% of the total throughput, while imports accounted for 59.2%. Transshipment made up a smaller segment, contributing 1.8%. Analysts suggest that the rise in exports signals progress in the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy, aimed at increasing non-oil exports and decreasing dependence on crude oil.
Containerized cargo also experienced notable growth, with total container traffic rising 25.7% to over 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). While export containers increased by 3.1%, imports surged by 32.8%. Transshipment containers saw a remarkable rise of 205.8%, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a logistics center for West and Central Africa.
Port performance data revealed that Lekki Port topped cargo handling, managing 40.6% of total throughput. It was followed by Onne Port, which handled 19.1%, and Apapa Port at 16.7%. Lekki Port also attracted the largest vessels, with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, compared to Onne’s average of 53,022 GRT.
Overall, ship calls increased by nearly 12%, totaling 4,477 vessels, indicating widespread growth in maritime activities. Liquid bulk cargo continued to dominate, making up 54.7% of total volumes, while containerized cargo represented 24%.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, characterized the performance as one of the most significant annual increases in the nation’s maritime history. He expressed optimism that ongoing port modernization efforts and the upcoming implementation of the National Single Window system would enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and further trade growth.
