Uche Cecil Izuora
The Federal Government is transforming the nation’s maritime sector by replicating the successful model of the Lekki Deep Seaport across the country. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the information at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Breakfast Meeting in Lagos.
Described as a game-changer for West Africa, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport boasts a handling capacity of 1.2 million TEUs, modern infrastructure, and improved logistical efficiency. It has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while the completion of critical access roads has eliminated decades-old bottlenecks at major Nigerian ports.
Oyetola outlined that the nationwide expansion will focus on applying the “Lekki playbook,” which hinges on five key pillars: strategic location, robust public-private partnerships, integrated transport links (road, rail, and waterways), supportive policies, and technology-driven operations.
To achieve this vision, the Ministry is modernizing the Western Ports in Apapa, upgrading Eastern Ports such as Onne, Calabar, and Rivers, and rolling out a digital Port Community System to promote a paperless, secure maritime environment.
In a bid to deepen indigenous participation, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been instructed to begin disbursing the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to Nigerian shipowners, strengthening the national shipping fleet and paving the way for a National Flag Carrier.
He concluded that the Lekki Deep Seaport exemplifies the prosperity possible when policy, vision, and investment align. He urged stakeholders to replicate and scale the model for the benefit of Nigeria and the broader African continent.
The event was well attended by government officials, terminal operators, shipping companies, and private sector representatives, signaling broad support for the ambitious maritime transformation plan.