Nigeria’s Ports Achieve Historic Growth in 2025, Led by Lekki Port Handling 40.6% of Cargo

NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as a milestone that strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade. While imports remain the largest component of cargo traffic at 59.2 percent, exports accounted for 39 percent, reflecting the Federal Government’s push to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on crude oil. Transshipment contributed 1.8 percent of total cargo.

Lekki Port led national cargo throughput, handling 40.6 percent of total volumes, followed by Onne Port at 19.1 percent and Apapa Port at 16.7 percent. Lekki also received the largest vessels, averaging 55,712 GRT, compared with Onne’s 53,022 GRT. Tin Can Island Port saw the highest frequency of ship calls at 22.7 percent, but Lekki and Onne are increasingly hosting the sector’s largest vessels.

Overall ship calls rose nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels. Liquid bulk remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent. Analysts note that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic reflect a sector aligning more closely with global shipping standards.