WAF Shipping Focus: Week 19
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- May 17
- 4 min read
Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth in the first quarter of 2026, with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million, underscoring the increasing dominance of larger-capacity ships across the nation’s ports amid ongoing reforms targeted at positioning the country as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to the Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the rise in vessel tonnage signals improved cargo-carrying efficiency and growing confidence among international shipping lines in Nigerian ports. The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand. The strong performance comes at a time the federal government is intensifying efforts to modernize Nigeria’s port infrastructure, improve cargo handling efficiency and capture a larger share of regional cargo flows under AfCFTA.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, took Nigeria’s Blue Economy campaign to the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Blue Economy Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation.” The summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance discussions on innovation, economic growth and strategic partnerships across the continent. The panel session also featured the French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other distinguished maritime stakeholders from across Africa. The landmark summit, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, was held under the theme “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”
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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that 37 ships with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected at Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea Port and Tincan Island port in Lagos. The NPA added that the vessels are expected from May 11 till May 15, 2026. It said that 10 of the expected ships contained diesel and aviation fuel one ship contained petrol, another 10 ships carrying containers of different goods, others 16 ships to berth with fresh fish, general cargo, bulk wheat, bulk sugar, gasoline, petrol, and crude oil. Meanwhile, the NPA noted that one ship had arrived at Apapa port waiting bulk fertilizer. It also stated that 15 ships are presently discharging containers, petrol, bulk fertilizer, trucks, base oil, fresh fish, bulk wheat, general cargo, and diesel at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa and Tincan Island port.
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The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, says the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has made significant progress in developing road, rail and water transportation infrastructure across the state. Osiyemi made this known at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Lagos to commemorate the third year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office. He said the government remained committed to providing residents with an integrated multi-modal transportation system that is seamless, safe, affordable, sustainable and inclusive. According to him, the administration will continue to engage residents and invest in transport infrastructure to enhance mobility and support socioeconomic development. “Our promise to Lagos residents is to continue to provide and plan the best transportation system for all, in a manner that will boost the socioeconomic development of the people and the state,” he said. Osiyemi said the state was upgrading public transport infrastructure, including Bus Rapid Transit corridors and terminals, Quality Bus Corridors, rail projects and waterways facilities.
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https://shippingposition.com.ng/lagos-records-major-gains-in-road-rail-water-transport-commissioner/
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has underscored the critical role of manpower development in ensuring safe navigation and driving Nigeria’s blue economy. Abbas said this during a courtesy visit by the Hydro-grapher of the Federation, Rear Adm. Olumide Fadahunsi, to Naval Headquarters in Abuja. This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho. Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting the National Hydro-graphic Agency, particularly in the areas of manpower provision and capacity building. He noted that a highly skilled hydro-graphic workforce remained vital to naval operations and maritime domain awareness. The CNS also lauded the agency for its outstanding hydro-graphic activities in Cross River and Imo, which he said had earned widespread recognition. He urged the agency to deepen local capacity development by producing training charts for institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy Training Schools.
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The Nigerian Navy has disrupted attempts to establish illegal refining infrastructure and recovered a large cache of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in separate operations across Rivers. This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho. Folorunsho said the operations were conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. He said that personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, following credible intelligence on suspicious activities, foiled attempts by economic saboteurs to set up illegal refining sites in the Promise Land area of Bonny Local Government Area. According to him, an anti-crude oil theft patrol team carried out a coordinated reconnaissance mission across adjoining creeks and waterways, supported by aerial surveillance. ”The surveillance exposed concealed refining equipment hidden under thick vegetation, while ground assessment confirmed two newly constructed illegal refining sites close to the river channel.
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