Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea to the south. It shares land borders with Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east. Nigeria is endowed with various types of ports due to its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as navigable rivers and bustling land borders:
- Sea Ports: Nigeria has several sea ports along its coastline, serving as vital gateways for international trade and maritime transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Lagos Port Complex: Located in Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, this port complex comprises multiple terminals such as Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port. It is the busiest and most important port in Nigeria, handling the majority of the country’s maritime cargo.
- Port Harcourt Port: Situated in Rivers State, Port Harcourt Port serves as a key hub for oil and gas exports, as well as general cargo.
- Calabar Port: Located in Cross River State, Calabar Port primarily handles exports of agricultural products and imports of general cargo.
- River Ports: Nigeria benefits from navigable rivers such as the Niger River and the Benue River, which provide inland waterway transportation. River ports along these rivers play a crucial role in domestic trade and transportation. Notable river ports include:
- Onitsha River Port: Located on the Niger River in Anambra State, Onitsha River Port is one of Nigeria’s busiest inland ports, facilitating trade within the country and with neighboring countries.
- Baro River Port: Situated on the Niger River in Niger State, Baro River Port serves as a key transportation hub for goods and passengers in the northern region of Nigeria.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Nigeria serve as important nodes in the country’s transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods to regions not directly served by sea ports. These terminals integrate road and rail networks to transport cargo efficiently. Examples include:
- Kaduna Inland Dry Port: Located in Kaduna State, this dry port provides connectivity to the Lagos Port Complex, easing congestion and enhancing trade in the northern region of Nigeria.
- Kano Inland Container Depot: Situated in Kano State, this facility serves as an inland terminal for the efficient handling of containerized cargo.
- Border Crossings: Nigeria has numerous border crossings with neighboring countries, facilitating land-based trade and transportation. Major border crossings include:
- Seme Border: This border crossing links Nigeria with Benin Republic and serves as a vital trade route between the two countries.
- Idiroko Border: Located on the border with Benin Republic, Idiroko Border facilitates trade and travel between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly for goods coming through the Port of Lagos.
List of Largest Ports in Nigeria
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos Port Complex | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Port Harcourt | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 700 |
| Onne Port Complex | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 600 |
| Tin Can Island Port | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Apapa Port Complex | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Calabar Port | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Warri Port | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Delta Port Complex | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Bonny | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 180 |
| Port of Port Harcourt | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Escravos | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Sapele | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Koko | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Brass | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Ibaka | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 60 |
Major Ports of Nigeria
1. Lagos Port (Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports)
Lagos Port is Nigeria’s largest and most important port, located in the bustling commercial city of Lagos. The port consists of two main terminals: the Apapa Port and the Tin Can Island Port. Together, they handle a significant portion of the nation’s cargo, including petroleum, chemicals, and containers. Lagos Port serves as a crucial gateway for imports and exports in Nigeria and acts as the epicenter of the country’s international trade. The port has undergone various upgrades to handle increasing traffic, ensuring that it remains competitive in global shipping markets.
City Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Latitude: 6.5244° N
Longitude: 3.3792° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ikeja | 20 | Lagos-Ibadan Expressway |
| Benin City | 320 | A2 |
| Ibadan | 130 | A1 |
| Abeokuta | 100 | A5 |
| Onitsha | 500 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,000 | A1 |
| Kano | 1,200 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Lagos Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Ikeja Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Apapa Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Ibadan Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Benin City Railway Station (Nigeria)
2. Port Harcourt Port
Port Harcourt is one of Nigeria’s primary ports located in the Niger Delta region. It plays a central role in the export of crude oil, gas, and other petroleum products. The port is a vital component of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and also handles agricultural exports like cocoa and palm oil. Port Harcourt is equipped with both bulk and container handling facilities, and it is strategically located to serve industries in the region, including manufacturing and agriculture.
City Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Latitude: 4.8156° N
Longitude: 7.0498° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Aba | 45 | A3 |
| Uyo | 160 | A3 |
| Calabar | 220 | A2 |
| Enugu | 310 | A3 |
| Benin City | 420 | A2 |
| Abakaliki | 250 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,050 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Port Harcourt Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Aba Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Enugu Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Calabar Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Uyo Railway Station (Nigeria)
3. Onne Port
Onne Port is another important port in the Niger Delta region, located near Port Harcourt. It is primarily used for the export of petroleum and natural gas products, as well as imports of industrial goods. The port serves as a key hub for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, providing specialized facilities for handling petroleum products and heavy equipment. Onne Port has recently undergone significant upgrades, making it a more efficient and modern facility.
City Location: Onne, Nigeria
Latitude: 4.7497° N
Longitude: 7.0586° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Port Harcourt | 30 | A3 |
| Aba | 85 | A3 |
| Calabar | 150 | A2 |
| Uyo | 200 | A3 |
| Benin City | 370 | A2 |
| Ikot Ekpene | 230 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,150 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Onne Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Port Harcourt Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Aba Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Calabar Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Uyo Railway Station (Nigeria)
4. Calabar Port
Calabar Port, located in southeastern Nigeria, serves as an important regional port for cargo imports and exports. It is particularly used for the export of agricultural products, such as cocoa, and the import of consumer goods. The port is located in close proximity to the international border with Cameroon, making it a key point for transshipment and regional trade. It also handles bulk and general cargo, though it is smaller than some of the other major ports in Nigeria.
City Location: Calabar, Nigeria
Latitude: 4.9500° N
Longitude: 8.3240° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Uyo | 100 | A3 |
| Port Harcourt | 220 | A2 |
| Aba | 250 | A3 |
| Ikot Ekpene | 170 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,050 | A1 |
| Benin City | 450 | A2 |
| Enugu | 420 | A3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Calabar Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Uyo Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Port Harcourt Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Aba Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Enugu Railway Station (Nigeria)
5. Warri Port
Warri Port is located in Delta State, Nigeria, and is known for its connection to the oil industry. The port primarily handles the export of petroleum products and serves as a critical outlet for Nigeria’s oil reserves. Warri Port is vital to Nigeria’s energy sector and is well-equipped for handling bulk and containerized cargo. In addition to oil-related trade, the port also supports various industries in the region, including agriculture and manufacturing.
City Location: Warri, Nigeria
Latitude: 5.5187° N
Longitude: 5.7393° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sapele | 45 | A1 |
| Benin City | 130 | A2 |
| Lokoja | 380 | A1 |
| Asaba | 40 | A1 |
| Port Harcourt | 250 | A3 |
| Aba | 290 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,100 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Warri Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Sapele Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Benin City Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Port Harcourt Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Lokoja Railway Station (Nigeria)
6. Ikorodu Port
Ikorodu Port, located in Lagos State, is an emerging port primarily used for handling agricultural products, bulk cargo, and containerized goods. The port serves as an important regional gateway, supporting trade between Nigeria and other West African nations. Its proximity to Lagos makes it an attractive option for shipping companies seeking to avoid congestion in the larger Lagos ports.
City Location: Ikorodu, Nigeria
Latitude: 6.6042° N
Longitude: 3.4025° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos | 30 | A1 |
| Abeokuta | 120 | A5 |
| Ibadan | 160 | A1 |
| Benin City | 240 | A2 |
| Port Harcourt | 390 | A3 |
| Sokoto | 1,150 | A1 |
| Kano | 1,300 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ikorodu Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Lagos Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Abeokuta Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Benin City Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Ibadan Railway Station (Nigeria)
7. Kano Port
Kano Port, located in the northern region of Nigeria, is a key port for trade with neighboring landlocked countries in West Africa. Kano is an important economic hub in Nigeria, and while it is not directly on the coast, it serves as an inland port with connections to the major Nigerian coastal ports. The port is used for both imports and exports, including machinery, textiles, and agricultural products.
City Location: Kano, Nigeria
Latitude: 12.0028° N
Longitude: 8.5919° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Katsina | 110 | A1 |
| Kaduna | 250 | A2 |
| Abuja | 380 | A2 |
| Sokoto | 500 | A1 |
| Maiduguri | 850 | A3 |
| Minna | 300 | A1 |
| Ilorin | 600 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kano Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Katsina Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Kaduna Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Sokoto Railway Station (Nigeria)
- Minna Railway Station (Nigeria)