port-laden container traffic into Nigerian seaports rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the third quarter of 2025, operational data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has shown, indicating a boost in the country’s trade.
According to the data obtained by LEADERSHIP, export-laden containers also recorded a remarkable jump, rising to 69,039 TEUs from 5,812 TEUs recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. The figures further revealed a strong rebound in ship traffic, with vessel calls increasing by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships, while total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) climbed by 18 per cent to 42.64 million.
Lekki Deep Seaport emerged as the major driver of the growth, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total cargo handled during the period, followed by Onne Port with 17 per cent. In terms of vessel capacity, Lekki Port also received the largest ships, with an average GRT of 57,244.
The sharp increase in export container volumes contributed to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling an improved balance between imports and exports and strengthening non-oil export activities.
Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority described 2025 as a transformational year for the country’s maritime sector, noting that the Authority is riding an unprecedented wave of growth.
