The Association of West African Exporters and Marine Professionals has expressed serious concerns regarding the worsening shortage of shipping containers at Lagos ports. This scarcity is reportedly posing a significant threat to Nigeria's export sector, which is valued at approximately $44.06 billion as of 2025. The association highlights that this situation is compounded by shipping lines’ refusal to pick up export cargoes, effectively undermining the potential growth and stability of Nigeria’s burgeoning export market.

Bunmi Olumekun, the President of AWAEMAP, discussed the troubling circumstances in a recent interview with journalists, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The warning comes in the context of Nigeria's export sector gaining momentum under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been seen as an advocate for enhancing the country’s economic performance. Notably, a report indicated that Nigeria's total exports in the first nine months of 2025 exceeded those of the corresponding period in 2024 by $3.76 billion, reflecting a positive trend amidst ongoing economic evaluations.

According to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the country’s total exports are on an upward trajectory, which inadvertently might be jeopardized by these logistical challenges, especially within the critical ports of Lagos. There are growing calls for the government and shipping entities to address these container shortages to ensure that the export gains resonate positively with local businesses and households, thus facilitating broader economic benefits for the Nigerian populace.