The Federal Government has officially approved the maintenance dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport channel, raising its current depth from 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with a long-term goal of deepening it further to 19 meters. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and positioning Lekki Port as a major transshipment hub in West Africa.
During his first official visit to the port, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, accompanied by senior officials, emphasized the importance of the dredging initiative. He urged Lekki Port to strengthen its transshipment operations to better serve landlocked neighboring countries.
Dantsoho expressed satisfaction with the port’s rising throughput volume, noting its ability to accommodate super post-panamax vessels and ensure rapid cargo and vessel turnaround. According to him, these capabilities are transforming Nigeria’s export potential, especially for agro-allied products, in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals.
“The growth in cargo throughput at Lekki Port is remarkable. It’s a testament to the port’s efficiency, which is attracting more transshipment activities and supporting NPA’s vision of achieving economies of scale,” Dantsoho stated. “This improved competitiveness enhances foreign exchange inflows and contributes to Nigeria’s trade surplus and broader economic development.”
He revealed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and upon NPA’s recommendation, approved the dredging project after years of planning. China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been selected as the contractor for the project—a decision Dantsoho said was made to further strengthen the partnership with Lekki Port, even though NPA typically relies on its joint venture company, Lagos Channel Management (LCM), for such tasks.
Dantsoho outlined five key initiatives being undertaken to sustain Lekki Port’s positive throughput trend. These include the approved dredging, investments in technological infrastructure, deployment of the Port Community System as a step toward a National Single Window, and a comprehensive channel survey, for which a contract has already been awarded.
Speaking on port automation, Dantsoho praised Lekki Port for its up-to-date technological deployment, noting that it serves as a model for other Nigerian ports. “Your automation capacity will make it easier for you to integrate seamlessly into the upcoming National Single Window system, which will eventually drive revenue growth and reduce unreceipted transactions.”
Regarding Lekki Port’s request for reduced Ship Dues, Dantsoho explained that while the NPA is open to easing financial burdens, it must also continue purchasing essential port equipment—most of which are dollar-denominated—to maintain operational efficiency nationwide. He hinted that when digital systems are fully deployed and 95% of port processes become paperless, ship dues could potentially be reviewed downward.
Earlier in the visit, Lekki Port Managing Director Wang Qiang presented key policy support requests, including a revision of the tariff structure to account for inflation and service costs, a reduction in ship dues for larger vessels and feeder ships, and the provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 port operations.
Dantsoho concluded his visit by commending Lekki Port’s management for their continued high-level performance and reiterated the NPA’s commitment to providing all necessary support to unlock the port’s full potential.
The NPA MD also visited the $19.5 billion Dangote Petrochemical Refinery during the trip, where he met with Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.
