NPA 2025 Report Reveals Export-Led Trade Expansion

Highlights Significant Progress in FG’s Economic Diversification Agenda

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Nigeria’s maritime industry entered a transformative phase in 2025, recording unprecedented growth in cargo throughput, container traffic, and export volumes. According to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) 2025 Operational Performance Report, these milestones reflect the Federal Government’s sustained push for economic diversification and reduced reliance on crude oil revenues.

According to the report, total cargo throughput surged by 24.8%, rising from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to 129.3 million metric tons in 2025. NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the achievement as “one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history,” noting that it strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

The report which indicates that export growth validates the federal government ongoing diversification drive note that while imports still dominate overall traffic, exports accounted for 39% of total throughput, with inward cargo representing  59.2%, and transshipment contributing 1.8%.

Analysts view the steady rise in exports as a direct validation of the Federal Government’s diversification policies, particularly efforts to boost non-oil exports.

Giving the breakdown of the container traffic surge, the report said containerized cargo; a key indicator of trade expansion grew by 25.7%, surpassing 2.1 million TEUs. Atahis is even as export containers rose modestly by 3.1%, while import-laden containers jumped 32.8%. Transshipment containers, it says recorded a staggering 205.8% increase, underscoring Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal logistics hub for West and Central Africa.

Also, an interesting part of the report indicate that Lekki Port emerged as Nigeria’s busiest port, handling 40.6% of total cargo throughput, followed by Onne Port (19.1%) and Apapa Port (16.7%). Lekki also attracted the largest vessels, averaging 55,712 GRT, positioning it as the gateway for “heavyweight” ships and high-value cargo.

The report also indicated rising vessel traffic with total ship calls rising  by nearly 12% to 4,477 vessels. Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of arrivals (22.7%), but Lekki and Onne increasingly received larger vessels, signaling Nigeria’s growing capacity to handle complex global shipping demands.

Liquid bulk cargo which is primarily fuel and chemicals remained dominant at 54.7%, while containerized cargo accounted for 24%. Analysts note that the increasing sophistication of vessel traffic reflects Nigeria’s alignment with global shipping standards.

The sharp rise in transshipment cargo highlights Nigeria’s growing role as a regional hub. International shipping lines are increasingly routing containerized goods through Nigerian ports, boosting NPA revenues and reinforcing the country’s

Dr. Dantsoho expressed confidence that future growth will be driven by the Federal Government’s bold port modernization programme and the rollout of the National Single Window system. The modernization initiative will overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions. These reforms aim to cut vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety, and significantly improve operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the 2025 NPA report paints a picture of a sector in transition from import dependence to export-led growth, from smaller vessels to global-class ships, and from traditional operations to digitalized efficiency. With Lekki Port at the forefront, Nigeria’s maritime industry is positioning itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic diversification strategy and a rising force in global trade.