Nigerian Export Industry Faces Threat as Container Crisis Deepens at Lagos Ports

Nigeria’s export industry, expected to reach $44.06 billion in 2025, is facing major problems due to a shortage of shipping containers at Lagos ports, according to industry insiders.

The Association of West African Exporters and Marine Professionals (AWAEMAP) has warned that the situation is getting worse. They are especially worried that more international shipping companies are avoiding Nigerian export cargo, which could slow down the country’s trade growth.

AWAEMAP President Bunmi Olumekun recently spoke to reporters in Lagos about his concerns. He stressed the importance of this issue, especially since Nigeria’s export sector has made significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Recent data shows this growth. Reports from February say that Nigerian exports in the first nine months of 2025 were $3.76 billion higher than in the same period of 2024. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s December 2025 statistics show exports reached $44.06 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, up from $40.29 billion in 2024. This growth has strengthened the local currency, but businesses and households are still seeking broader economic benefits.

However, Olumekun says these gains are now at risk due to what he calls deliberate actions by international shipping companies that harm Nigeria’s interests.

“Foreign shipping companies have effectively stopped sending vessels to pick up Nigerian exports. They prefer to redirect their ships to Cotonou rather than Nigerian ports. This appears to be a strategy to reduce the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets. We see ships arriving at our ports, unloading their cargo, and then leaving empty, heading straight to Cotonou to pick up goods there,” Olumekun explained.

He said export cargo is piling up at Lagos port terminals because there aren’t enough ships to move it or enough containers for new exports. This shortage of space for export containers has caused major delays, similar to the congestion problems Lagos ports faced before electronic call-up systems were introduced.

The crisis in the Middle East complicates matters further, giving shipping companies additional reasons to avoid Nigerian ports. Olumekun said this could make the current problems even worse.

Olumekun recognized the government’s achievements but stressed that outside forces seem determined to slow Nigeria’s export growth. “Nigeria’s export performance has improved significantly under President Tinubu’s leadership, yet these international players appear set on disrupting our progress,” he said.
The AWAEMAP president urged the government to act quickly to solve the container shortage crisis.

Lawal Wasiu, Managing Director of LWL Concept and an active exporter, agreed with these concerns and shared his thoughts on the real challenges exporters are facing.

“Our ports are currently filled with empty containers that vessels aren’t picking up. The tensions between Iran and the US have heavily disrupted shipping routes, forcing many companies to rethink their operations. Several shipping lines have stopped Middle East shipments entirely due to security issues,” Wasiu explained.

He added, “Currently, many export-loaded containers are stuck at port facilities, waiting for vessels to collect them. Numerous terminal operators have reached full capacity and are no longer accepting new export containers. Transportation companies are also hesitant to bring empty containers to ports because of long delays, which makes the shortage of containers even worse.”