Nigeria’s ports recorded significant growth in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Total cargo throughput rose to 33.52 million metric tons, a 16.2% increase from Q3 2024. Container traffic grew 18.9% to 546,931 TEUs, with export containers surging 1,085% to 69,039 TEUs, signaling a major boost in non-oil exports.

Ship calls increased 8.4%, reaching 1,074 vessels, while total Gross Registered Tonnage rose 18% to 42.64 million, reflecting larger vessel entries. Tin Can Island Port led in ship calls (22.7%), closely followed by Apapa Port (22.2%), while Lekki Port handled the largest vessels (avg. 57,244 GRT) and dominated cargo throughput with 46.8%.

By cargo type, liquid bulk led at 53.8%, followed by containerized cargo (26.6%), dry bulk (11.3%), and other general cargo (8.2%).

NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho attributed the growth to government export-driven reforms, port modernization projects, digital initiatives like the electronic truck call-up system, and strategic leadership in the maritime sector. Analysts noted the figures demonstrate Nigeria’s increasing role in regional and global trade, advancing non-oil export expansion and economic diversification.