The Nigerian government has officially approved maintenance dredging of the Lekki Deep Seaport channel, a $1.5 billion project vital to maintaining a consistent 16.5-meter depth. This development was announced by Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), during his inaugural visit to the port over the weekend.
Accompanied by senior NPA executives, Dantsoho underscored the government’s commitment to supporting port operations and emphasised the importance of boosting transhipment volumes, especially for landlocked neighbouring countries.
“The growth in throughput at Lekki Port is very encouraging,” Dantsoho remarked. He praised the port’s capacity to berth super post-Panamax vessels and facilitate rapid cargo handling and vessel turnaround, calling it a “game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness.” This advantage is particularly significant as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum, opening new avenues for agro-allied exports.
Dantsoho highlighted that the port’s increased efficiency is driving steady transhipment growth, which benefits Nigeria’s economy by meeting regional maritime needs and reducing logistics costs. He pointed out that this increased competitiveness is expected to attract more foreign investment, generate foreign exchange inflows, and contribute positively to Nigeria’s trade balance.
Expressing optimism about future export prospects, Dantsoho indicated that the port’s volume could double or even triple soon, with NPA committed to sustaining this upward trajectory.
To solidify these gains, he outlined five key initiatives. Notably, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with NPA’s recommendation, has secured approval for the crucial dredging of Lekki Port’s channel— a project long awaited for nearly two to three years. The NPA has also formed a strategic partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), leveraging international collaboration to execute the dredging and expand Nigeria’s trade capacity.
On technological advancement, Dantsoho applauded Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure, stating, “Lekki Port is equipped with up-to-date technology, and we are very pleased.” This technological edge is vital for deploying the national Port Community System, a precursor to the broader National Single Window, which aims for seamless, fully digitised port operations.
He confirmed that the contract for a comprehensive channel survey— essential for international port navigation systems— has been awarded, promising enhanced navigation and operational efficiency around Lekki.
Addressing concerns about Ship Dues, Dantsoho acknowledged the impact of the dollarized costs for equipment like navigational aids and tugboats. While appreciating the need to ease financial burdens on the port, he emphasised that adequate funding remains crucial for maintaining operations and paying staff.
He expressed confidence that the full implementation of the Single Window, which seeks to achieve approximately 95% paperless transactions, could triple revenues and eliminate unreceipted payments. “When this system is fully operational,” he said, “we expect to generate more income, potentially leading to a review of Ship Dues.”
Finally, Dantsoho thanked Lekki Deep Seaport’s management, led by Wang Qiang, for its consistent high performance. Earlier, Wang had presented requests including an adjustment of tariff structures to reflect operational costs, reduction of Ship Dues for large vessels, and the introduction of night pilotage services to facilitate 24/7 operations and faster vessel turnaround.
This strategic step forward positions Lekki Deep Seaport as a key driver of Nigeria’s maritime growth, boosting exports, increasing regional competitiveness, and supporting the nation’s economic development for years to come.
