Exporters warn of worsening container shortage at Lagos ports
The Association of West African Exporters and Marine Professionals has raised concerns about a severe shortage of shipping containers at Lagos ports. Bunmi Olumekun, president of the group, highlighted that this scarcity is threatening Nigeria’s export sector and causing congestion at terminals. Exporters say foreign shipping lines are refusing to pick up export cargoes, leaving goods stranded. The situation is further complicated by global conflicts affecting shipping routes and decisions.
TLDR
- The export sector, valued at $44.06bn as of 2025, is at risk due to container shortages at Lagos ports.
- Bunmi Olumekun warned that foreign shipping lines are avoiding Nigeria, preferring to pick up exports from Cotonou instead.
- Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria Quarterly Statistics (December 2025) shows exports in the first nine months of 2025 rose to $44.06bn, up from $40.29bn in the same period of 2024.
- Export cargoes, including perishables, have been stuck at the port since December 2025 with no vessels available.
- Exporters blame the ongoing Iran-US war and terminal congestion for the worsening shortage and delays.
