Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded a 7.2 percent leap in cargo throughput, totalling 49.3 million tons in the first quarter of the year.
The NPA recorded 45.9 million tons of cargo throughput in the first quarter of the year before.
A statement by Iheanacho Ebubeogu, general manager, public affairs of NPA at the weekend explained that general cargo was 6.4 million tons, while dry bulk cargo was 2.2 million tons.
“Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipment was 5.5 million tons; refined petroleum products stood at 4.3 million tonnes; while laden containers, which passed through all ports, were 233,331 TEUs,’’ it said.
Empty containers handled were 163,850 TEUs, while 30,649 units of vehicles were handled in the period under review.
The statement explained that 5,139 ocean-going vessels, with a Gross Tonnage (GT) of 61.9 million tons, called in all Nigerian ports.
It said that the Gross Tonnage of Crude Oil Tankers recorded in the period under review (2015) showed a 12.21 percent increase over the figure recorded in the first quarter of 2014.
Ebubeogu added that the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) recorded a Gross Registered Tonnage of 9.2 million tons and received 372 vessels in the period under consideration.
“Tin-Can Island Port recorded a Gross Tonnage of 12. 2 million tonnes and handled a total of 435 ocean-going vessels within the period. Calabar Port Complex recorded a total Gross Tonnage of 958,288 through 100 ocean-going vessels in the period under review.
“Rivers Port Complex recorded a total Gross Tonnage of 1.4 million tons and handled 132 ocean-going vessels in the period under review.
“Onne Port Complex recorded a GT of 12.7 million tons with 1,025 vessels handled within the period.
“Delta Port Complex recorded Gross Tonnage of 1.6 million tonnes with 2,816 vessels handled,’’ according to the statement.