- Lekki Port Set to Extend Transshipment Operations to West African Ports, Eastern Nigeria
- The deep seaport is valued at $1.5 billion
- Yang Xixiong, stated that Nigeria now has a modern, efficient port
Lekki Deep Seaport has established international transshipment connections with major ports across West Africa, including Tema in Ghana, Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Lomé in Togo, and Cotonou in Benin Republic.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the deep seaport valued at $1.5 billion aims to expand its network to other countries and begin domestic transshipment services in Nigeria’s eastern region.
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Targeted locations include Warri, Calabar, Onitsha, and Burutu ports, with the goal of enhancing trade competitiveness and realizing the port’s projected economic contribution of over $361 billion.
During a media briefing with maritime journalists at the port yesterday, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Daniel Odibe said the port, which began commercial operations in 2023, is working to increase throughput from 287,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) recorded in 2024 to a projected 500,000 TEUs by year-end.
He noted that many local ports have shallow drafts, preventing them from accommodating large vessels.
Odibe explained that the strategy is to offload cargo at Lekki and transport it to other ports using smaller vessels or barges. This approach, he said, will unlock significant economic opportunities in those regions.
He added that Lekki Port currently handles 10 to 12 vessels monthly and that its transshipment operations have seen strong growth, reflecting Nigeria’s readiness to reestablish itself as a leader in West African maritime trade.
“We now conduct international transshipment to Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, Abidjan and several landlocked countries. We are picking up because the naira is gradually stabilising and trade volume is improving,” he stated.
Odibe noted that the lack of a deep seaport in Nigeria had long hindered the country’s ability to directly receive large vessels and transshipped cargo.
Before Lekki Port became operational, cargo bound for Nigeria was typically routed through neighbouring countries like Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. This led to delays, higher costs, and reduced competitiveness for Nigerian imports due to double-handling.
He stated that Lekki Port is now showing strong potential to become a key cargo hub in West Africa.
The port has recorded rapid growth in container throughput, continued infrastructure development, and the adoption of advanced port technologies—despite facing economic challenges and persistent policy inconsistencies.
Odibe also highlighted the need for reform in Nigeria’s customs clearance system, advocating for the full implementation of the National Single Window to eliminate physical cargo inspections and shorten clearance times.
He added that Lekki Port’s own vehicle booking system is set to integrate smoothly with the Lagos State Government’s E-call-up system, with the rollout expected to begin on August 1.
“Once integrated, truck drivers will only need to book once at the container terminal. The system will automatically sync with the state’s traffic control system,” he explained.
The Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, Yang Xixiong, stated that Nigeria now has a modern, efficient port capable of handling merchant vessels and facilitating international transshipment.
He said this development strengthens the country’s strategic goal of becoming the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
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