Lagos ports handled a staggering N35.07 trillion worth of Nigeria’s merchandise trade in the second quarter of 2026, accounting for 84.6 per cent of the country’s total trade valued at N41.44 trillion.
The latest trade figures show just how central Lagos remains to Nigeria’s international commerce, with the Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea and Tin Can Island ports handling the overwhelming share of goods moving in and out of the country. (The Nation)
Nigeria recorded N27.02 trillion in exports and N14.42 trillion in imports during the quarter. The three major Lagos ports alone accounted for about N34.90 trillion of the combined trade...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Apapa Port remained the biggest contributor, recording N25.53 trillion in total trade, comprising N19.07 trillion in exports and N6.46 trillion in imports. Lekki Deep Sea Port followed with N6.64 trillion, while Tin Can Island recorded N2.90 trillion.
The dominance was particularly strong on the export side. Apapa accounted for N19.07 trillion, representing 70.57 per cent of total exports, while Lekki handled N5.03 trillion, equivalent to 18.62 per cent.
On the import side, Apapa also led with N6.46 trillion, followed by Tin Can Island with N2.17 trillion and Lekki Deep Sea Port with N1.61 trillion. (Vanguard News)
The figures underline the enormous economic importance of Lagos to Nigeria’s trade and logistics sector. They also highlight the heavy concentration of international commerce around a small number of major ports.
Outside Lagos, other important trade gateways recorded considerably smaller figures during the period. Port Harcourt Area 1 and Onne were among the notable contributors, but their combined activity remained far below the levels recorded by the major Lagos ports.
The latest figures come as Nigeria’s port sector continues to experience increased cargo activity. The country’s seaports handled 35.7 million metric tonnes of cargo in the second quarter, representing a 12.3 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025. (Fed. Ministry of Info & National Orientation)
With Lagos accounting for more than four fifths of Nigeria’s merchandise trade by value during the quarter, developments around its major ports remain crucial to the country’s import, export, logistics and wider economic activities.
