Headlines

NPA records strong Q2 performance as cargo, container traffic rise

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector are beginning to yield measurable 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.

The development is contained in the NPA’s Operational Performance Report for Q2 2026, which showed an overall improvement in activities across the nation’s seaports.

Analysis of the report indicated that most key performance indicators recorded positive growth during the quarter, reflecting increased vessel calls, cargo volumes, container traffic and port utilisation.

Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the increase in cargo volumes and ship calls underscored the resilience of Nigerian ports and their growing capacity to facilitate trade and enhance competitiveness.

Cargo throughput rose by 12.3 per cent, from 31,825,592 metric tonnes recorded in Q2 2025 to 35,740,362 metric tonnes in Q2 2026.

By trade type, inward cargo accounted for 56.8 per cent of total cargo handled, while outward cargo represented 41.9 per cent.

Transshipment cargo contributed 488,364 metric tonnes, representing approximately 1.4 per cent of total throughput.

The report showed that inward cargo increased by 7.7 per cent, while outward cargo grew by 22 per cent, indicating a significant improvement in export activity during the period under review. There was also a substantial increase in ocean-going vessel traffic.

The number of ocean-going vessels completed rose from 1,050 in Q2 2025 to 1,201 in Q2 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase.
Similarly, the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ocean-going vessels increased by 22.2 per cent, from 40.87 million tonnes to 49.95 million tonnes.

Service boat operations also recorded strong growth during the quarter. The number of service boats completed increased by 22.3 per cent, from 3,554 to 4,347, while the associated GRT climbed by 62.4 per cent, from 1.06 million tonnes to 1.73 million tonnes.

Container traffic also maintained its upward trajectory, increasing by 11.3 per cent from 541,229 TEUs in Q2 2025 to 602,392 TEUs in Q2 2026.

According to the report, inward laden containers increased by 6.3 per cent and accounted for approximately 51.5 per cent of total container traffic.

Outward laden containers, however, declined marginally by 3.9 per cent, while empty container traffic increased by 13.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Of particular significance was the emergence of transshipment container traffic, which stood at 29,038 TEUs during the quarter, compared with no recorded movement in Q2 2025.

The NPA said the development reflected the growing importance of transshipment operations within the Nigerian port system.

Vehicle traffic also recorded significant growth, with 44,147 units handled in Q2 2026 compared with 37,306 units in Q2 2025, representing an 18.3 per cent increase.

The report attributed the increase largely to improved automobile import activities and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

The NPA identified the continued expansion of transshipment traffic as one of the major developments during the quarter, noting that its growth could strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.

“The emergence and continued growth of transshipment traffic continues to position Nigerian ports as an emerging regional transshipment hub,” the report stated.

It added that the completion of ongoing port modernisation projects, sustained investment in infrastructure and deeper commercial engagement with shipping lines would further enhance Nigeria’s prospects in the transshipment market.

Overall, the authority described the second quarter performance as encouraging, with positive growth recorded across most major operational indicators, particularly cargo throughput, ship traffic, container movements, vehicle traffic and berth utilisation.

“The Second Quarter of 2026 recorded encouraging operational performance across the Nigerian ports, with sustained growth in ship traffic, cargo throughput, container movements, vehicle traffic, and berth utilisation,” the report stated.

Dantsoho said the NPA’s core priority for 2026 was a massive infrastructure overhaul, complemented by digital reforms and improvements in operational efficiency.

According to him, stakeholders should expect visible progress on the ground, beginning with the groundbreaking of major port modernisation projects.

He identified the modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports as the centrepiece of the authority’s infrastructure programme, noting that both facilities had become outdated, with Apapa approaching a century in operation and Tin Can Island more than 50 years old.

He added that the NPA was supporting the development of the Lekki and Badagry deep-sea ports to accommodate larger vessels, while efforts were also being intensified to revitalise the Eastern Ports and reduce the pressure on Lagos.

On digital transformation, Dantsoho said the authority was prioritising the full implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) to streamline port operations and eliminate manual bottlenecks.

The PCS, he said, would complement the National Single Window (NSW), which became operational in the first quarter of 2026, creating a more integrated digital trade ecosystem.

He further said the NPA was deploying technology-driven security measures to support 24-hour port operations while strengthening collaboration with customs agents and other stakeholders to tackle congestion and improve cargo evacuation.

With these measures, the NPA is positioning Nigeria to become a major trade and logistics hub in West Africa.

The expected outcomes, Dantsoho said, include faster port operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes and improved competitiveness for Nigerian exports.

Customs

Cole celebrates DC Akanni on birthday, KLT appointment, commends DC Adigun on Onne deployment

Gloria Odion, Maritme Reporter

The Chairman of the Tin Can Island Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olawale Cole, has congratulated Deputy Comptroller Femi Felix Akanni on his birthday and appointment as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Cole described the twin occasions as significant milestones in Akanni’s personal and professional life, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience, administrative competence and professional commitment would translate into effective leadership at the Command.

He said Akanni’s appointment presented an opportunity to further contribute to the growth of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in strengthening operational efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade and deepening engagement with critical stakeholders.

The ANLCA chairman expressed optimism that the new Acting Controller would sustain a cordial and productive relationship with licensed customs agents and other port operators, noting that effective collaboration between Customs and the business community was indispensable to efficient port operations.

Cole also congratulated the outgoing Acting Customs Area Controller of KLT, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, on his redeployment to the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne Port.

He commended Adigun for his contributions during his tenure at KLT, particularly his efforts towards fostering harmonious relationships with stakeholders and members of the licensed customs agents community.

According to Cole, leadership in the maritime sector requires more than the discharge of official responsibilities, as effective stakeholder engagement, mutual understanding and cooperation remain essential to institutional performance and improved service delivery.

He expressed confidence that Adigun would bring his wealth of experience, dedication and professionalism to bear on his new assignment at Onne Port, wishing him greater accomplishments in his career.

Reaffirming ANLCA’s commitment to a constructive partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, Cole stressed that a harmonious relationship between Customs officers and licensed customs agents was critical to seamless cargo clearance, trade facilitation, revenue generation and the creation of a business-friendly port environment.

He urged stakeholders at both KLT and Onne Port to extend maximum cooperation and support to the respective officers, emphasising that collaboration between public institutions and private-sector operators remained central to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Cole wished Akanni good health, wisdom and a successful tenure as Acting Customs Area Controller of KLT, while expressing confidence in Adigun’s ability to deliver on his new assignment at Onne Port.

Headlines

Oyetola mandates NPA, Terminal Operators to support Customs over evacuation of abandoned power equipment at ports

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and seaport terminal operators to provide urgent operational support for the evacuation of hundreds of containers of critical electricity equipment stranded at Nigerian ports for nearly two decades.

The directive is part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s order to clear the abandoned cargoes, some of which have remained at the nation’s seaports since 2007, following years of administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks that prevented their release.

Oyetola said the successful execution of the presidential directive would require close collaboration among the NPA, terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Ministry of Power.

He consequently instructed the NPA and terminal operators to accord the assignment top priority by making adequate arrangements for cargo positioning, handling and evacuation.

“Mr President’s directive is clear, and our responsibility is to ensure its effective implementation.

“NPA and terminal operators are to give this assignment the highest priority, work seamlessly with Customs and the Ministry of Power, and provide every necessary operational support to achieve the desired result,” the Minister said.

The intervention is expected to remove operational obstacles that have kept the critical electricity equipment at the ports for years, while facilitating its eventual deployment to support Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving port efficiency, reducing cargo dwell time and ensuring that the nation’s maritime infrastructure facilitates rather than frustrates critical national development objectives.

He stressed that seaports must function as strategic gateways for economic growth, industrial expansion and infrastructure development, rather than become storage facilities for cargoes whose release is vital to national progress.

The Minister urged all relevant agencies and stakeholders to sustain the momentum of the clearance exercise, noting that prompt compliance with the presidential directive would demonstrate the government’s determination to dismantle institutional bottlenecks and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure projects.

The exercise also presents an opportunity to strengthen inter-agency coordination and address the operational weaknesses that have allowed critical cargoes to remain trapped in the nation’s ports for such an extended period.

Headlines

LASWA, Iterferry deepen ferry safety expertise, complete sixth training module

Gloria Odion, Maritme Reporter

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has completed Module 6 of the Africa Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, reinforcing efforts to improve technical competence, strengthen vessel inspection and enhance passenger safety across Africa’s ferry transportation sector.

The latest module, which focused on Survey and Inspection and ran throughout October 2026, provided participating mentees with practical knowledge and technical skills required to assess vessel conditions, identify safety deficiencies and ensure compliance with established international maritime safety standards.

The training combined self-paced theoretical sessions facilitated by class surveyors from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register with interactive virtual mentorship and supervised practical field exercises.

A major component was the virtual Ask the Expert session held on October 21, featuring Interferry maritime professionals Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston.

The session exposed participants to international ferry safety regulations, professional surveying techniques and industry best practices, while providing an opportunity to engage directly with experienced practitioners.

The theoretical component was complemented by a practical field exercise on October 28, during which participants conducted live Condition and Safety Compliance Audits at operational passenger ferry terminals.

Supervised by Sandra (Okoli) Ubong of ABS and Engr. Frank Fayinto of Lloyd’s Register, the exercise enabled participants to apply international classification standards and established inspection procedures in real operational environments.

A key highlight was the application of an eight-step survey methodology, covering the entire inspection process, from preliminary preparations and onboard assessments to documentation and field reporting.

Participants also received hands-on training in identifying safety deficiencies relating to hull integrity, life-saving appliances, fire protection systems and machinery installations.

Other critical areas covered included evidence-based reporting using the 5W+1H principle, systematic documentation of inspection findings, deficiency logging and risk prioritisation.

The programme also strengthened participants’ capacity to evaluate and classify identified deficiencies according to their level of urgency, distinguishing between immediate, medium-term and low-priority interventions.

The approach is designed to facilitate timely corrective action, minimise operational risks and improve safety across ferry services.

The completion of Module 6 marks another milestone in LASWA’s efforts to strengthen technical capacity, improve professional competence and entrench a sustainable safety culture within Lagos State’s inland waterways and the wider African ferry transportation industry.

LASWA acknowledged the contributions of Interferry mentors Joep Bollerman, Francesco Ruisi and Darren Johnston, as well as field facilitators Sandra (Okoli) Ubong and Engr. Frank Fayinto.

The Authority also recognised the support of Interferry Chief Executive Officer, Mike Corrigan, and Ferrysafe Executive Sponsor, Shari Corrigan, whose contributions helped ensure the successful delivery of the module.

The programme continues to enjoy institutional support from LASWA and the Lagos State Government, alongside the strategic guidance of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

With the successful conclusion of Module 6, attention now shifts to Module 7, which will focus on Watchkeeping and is scheduled for November 2026.

The next phase will equip participants with improved knowledge of vessel operations, navigational safety and effective watchkeeping practices, all of which are critical to safe, efficient and reliable ferry transportation.

Through its partnership with Interferry, LASWA is seeking to develop a pool of skilled maritime professionals, raise operational safety standards and promote a more reliable, efficient and sustainable water transportation system in Lagos State and across Africa.