Nigeria currently handles about 1.6 million container movements annually, a figure logistics experts say is far below the true capacity and potential of the country’s seaports.
Speaking at a recent industry forum in Lagos, a logistics and supply chain specialist noted that despite Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s largest economy and a major import hub, container throughput remains constrained by structural inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and high operating costs.
According to the expert, ports in Lagos, Onne, Warri, and Calabar have the physical capacity to process significantly higher volumes if supported by modern infrastructure and streamlined clearance procedures. However, persistent challenges such as congested access roads, inadequate rail connectivity, multiple taxation, and bureaucratic bottlenecks at customs continue to undermine operational efficiency.
“The reality is that Nigeria’s ports are underutilized compared to their potential. We should be handling at least double the current container volume if trade processes were more efficient,” the expert stated.
The logistics sector has long argued that these inefficiencies not only limit Nigeria’s trade competitiveness but also increase costs for businesses and consumers. Delays at ports can extend cargo dwell time to weeks, raising demurrage charges and discouraging foreign shipping lines from making Nigerian ports their preferred hubs.
Industry observers warn that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks losing trade opportunities to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo, whose ports have been modernized to attract more international cargo traffic.
The expert urged the federal government and port regulators to prioritize investments in digital trade systems, expand rail and inland dry port connections, and simplify customs procedures to unlock growth.
“Nigeria has the market, the demand, and the geographical advantage,” he added. “What we lack is the efficiency to match global standards.”
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) expected to expand intra-African commerce, stakeholders say boosting container handling capacity will be critical for Nigeria to position itself as a regional trade hub.
