Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a 24.8 per cent increase in total cargo throughput in 2025, rising from 103.6 million metric tonnes in 2024 to 129.3 million metric tonnes, according to the 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The report, signed by NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant in Nigeria’s maritime history, strengthening the country’s position in regional and global trade.
Ongoing reforms and planned infrastructure enhancements, including port modernisation programmes and digital systems such as the National Single Window, were cited as key drivers of future efficiency gains and expansion across the maritime sector.
Economists say the milestone validates the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy, particularly efforts to boost non-oil exports and enhance logistics competitiveness at Nigerian ports.
The development comes on the heels of a strong improvement in business confidence. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group reported that the Business Confidence Index (BCI) soared to 117.2 points in February 2026 from 105.8 points in January, marking the highest reading on record and signalling robust expansionary momentum across the economy.
