In Q1'23, despite the scarcity of petroleum products experienced by Nigerians, fuel emerged as the top import on the chart, with a substantial quantity of 827,080 metric tons.

The Nigerian Ports Authority's daily Shipping Position document revealed the same information, highlighting that bulk wheat secured the second spot on the import chart with a total of 433,774 metric tons. Following closely behind, bulk sugar ranked third with a quantity of 242,755 metric tons.

Analyzing the import of commodities, specifically petroleum products, the data reveals that 185,546 metric tons were received through the Lagos ports in January. In February, the import increased to a total of 391,425 metric tons, while March witnessed the lowest import with 155,676 metric tons for the month.

Among the petroleum products imported, some notable ones are Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automated Gas Oil (AGO) or Diesel, Aviation Fuel, and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

As for bulk wheat, the import figures indicate 172,851 metric tons for January, followed by 141,441 metric tons in February and 217,792 metric tons in March.

During this period, bulk gypsum accounted for a total of 316,550 metric tons, with a breakdown of 155,470 metric tons in January, 48,680 metric tons in February, and 111,100 metric tons in March.

Salt was another commodity that appeared on the import chart, with a recorded quantity of 88,750 metric tons. Additionally, 66,560 metric tons of fish were imported during the first quarter of the year.

Containerized cargoes also showcased a remarkable figure, with a total of 28,596 containers entering the country through the Apapa quay, the nation's premier port. Breaking down the numbers, February witnessed the highest number of containerized cargoes, reaching a record of 14,455. January's figure stood at 8,193 containers, while March recorded 5,948 containers.

In a noteworthy occurrence, Char-Coal made its debut on the chart after several years, with a substantial import of 49,759 metric tons recorded exclusively in the month of January. Similarly, Palm oil marked a notable presence, with a total of 20,999 metric tons imported in January as well.