The Federal Government has approved maintenance dredging of the Lekki Deep Seaport channel, a project valued at $1.5 billion, initially increasing the channel’s depth from 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with a long-term plan to reach 19 meters. This strategic move aims to enhance port capacity and competitiveness, ensuring Nigeria stays ahead in regional maritime trade.

During his first official visit to Lekki Port over the weekend, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, accompanied by senior management staff, emphasized the importance of strengthening transshipment operations to serve landlocked neighboring countries.

He remarked, “The rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to us. Lekki’s capacity to berth super post-panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, especially for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum.”

Dantsoho highlighted the port’s growing efficiency, stating, “The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale. This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy. So it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures, and we hope that export volume will double or even triple soon.”

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He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, saying, “We are doing about five things to keep this trend growing. First, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the NPA, has secured approval to dredge the Lekki Port channel. This has been a key focus for almost two or three years, and finally, it’s happening—glory be to God.”

On the contractor for the dredging project, he stated, “We have agreed that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) will handle the dredging. Normally, we might have used Lagos Channel Management (LCM), a joint venture in which we hold 60%, but to strengthen our partnership and show support for Lekki Port, CHEC will undertake the dredging.”

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Turning to port automation, Dantsoho praised Lekki Port’s technological advancement: “Luckily, Lekki Port is up to date with modern port technologies. The technology in place will be integral to deploying the Port Community System, which is a precursor to integrating into Nigeria’s National Single Window. We hope other ports will soon reach 100% technological capability to facilitate seamless integration.”

Regarding channel management, the NPA MD confirmed, “We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, a critical requirement for international port, harbor, and navigation systems. This will enable us to optimize channel management around Lekki Port.”

He also addressed Lekki Port’s request for a reduction in ship dues. “Many of the equipment we purchase—like navigational buoys and tugboats—are dollarized. While we aim to lessen the financial burden on Lekki Port, especially concerning payments to the government, know that more funds are needed to buy essential equipment and adequately compensate personnel.”

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He added, “When the Single Window is operational and 95% of port processes become paperless, port revenue is expected to triple. Electronic transactions will largely eliminate unreceipted payments, resulting in higher revenue, and at that point, NPA will consider reducing Ship Dues.”

The MD commended the Lekki Deep Seaport management for its consistent superior performance, emphasizing the Board’s unwavering support to maximize the port’s potential.

Earlier, Wang Qiang, MD of Lekki Port, submitted key policy requests to facilitate operational efficiency: “We seek an adjustment of the tariff structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues for large vessels and feeders, and provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround times.”

Additionally, Dantsoho paid a visit to the $19.5 billion Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery during the visit, where he met Nigeria’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, underscoring the strategic importance of Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

This development reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its maritime infrastructure and positioning Lekki Port as a regional hub capable of competing globally.