Vehicle Imports Surge 67 Per Cent in Three Months

Nigerian ports are suddenly teeming with cars. New data from the Nigerian Ports Authority shows vehicle imports jumped to 58,870 units in the first quarter of 2026. This is a massive 67 per cent increase from the 35,262 units handled during the same period last year. The surge suggests that domestic demand is finally defying the gravity of a weak currency. It also signals that importers are finding ways to navigate the high costs of clearing goods.

The maritime sector is growing in scale as well as volume. Gross Registered Tonnage for ocean-going vessels rose by nearly 20 per cent to reach 46.75 million tons. This shift proves that larger, more efficient ships are now dominating Nigerian waters. Global shipping lines appear to have renewed faith in the capacity of local terminals. Much of this heavy lifting is happening at the Lekki Deep Seaport.

Cargo throughput is up across the board. Excluding crude oil terminals, the ports handled over 32 million metric tons of goods. This is an 11.6 per cent rise compared to the start of 2025. The numbers reflect a busier, more commercially aggressive economy. Trade volumes are climbing as the country tries to fix its position within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The real surprise is in the export data. Outward cargo traffic surged by 23.7 per cent to hit 14.13 million metric tons. Even more striking is the 67.6 per cent jump in outward laden containers. Nigeria is shipping more finished or processed goods abroad than it has in recent years. Better logistics and terminal efficiency are finally helping local exporters reach global supply chains.

Transhipment activity is also booming with an 83 per cent increase. This means more ships are using Nigeria as a hub to move cargo to other destinations. The country is slowly becoming a transit point for regional trade. This status is vital if Nigeria wants to lead the continental maritime market. It turns the ports into a service engine rather than just a gateway for consumption.

Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA boss, wants a total shift in how the economy views the sea. He argues that efficiency and speed will decide who wins the trade wars in Africa. To help this, the government is pushing a digital agenda to cut red tape. New platforms like the National Single Window aim to stop the delays that usually choke the ports. Better rail and inland dry port links are also helping to move goods away from crowded docks.

Nigeria is trying to outrun its old reputation for congestion. The first-quarter results show that the effort is starting to pay off. However, the true test will be whether these gains can last through the year. For now, the sight of thousands of cars landing in Lagos and Onne is a sign of life. A more efficient port system is no longer a luxury for Nigeria.