The Federal Government has completed approvals, certifications, and compliance processes for five proposed deep seaport projects, paving the way for investment and implementation. This initiative aims to reposition Nigeria to reclaim over 70 percent of Nigerian-bound cargo currently transported through other African ports.
Approved Deep Seaport Projects
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced the approved projects on Wednesday at the close of a three-day meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Lagos. The projects include:
- Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos State
- Olokola Deep Sea Port in Ondo State
- Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State
- Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River State
- Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State
Dantsoho, who also serves as President of PMAWCA, noted that while negotiations with investors are ongoing due to the significant financial commitments required, the government has already laid the regulatory and administrative groundwork necessary for implementation. He stated, "In terms of approvals, certifications and compliance issues, we have taken care of five different deep-sea ports in Nigeria."
Strategic Importance
The planned port projects are expected to improve Nigeria's ability to receive larger cargo vessels, expand trade capacity, and strengthen regional logistics. Dantsoho emphasized that the country's growing population, expanding economy, and strategic role in servicing landlocked neighboring countries make investment in deep-sea ports inevitable. Nigeria currently accounts for over 70 percent of cargo traffic within the West and Central African sub-region, with countries like Niger, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso depending partly on Nigerian ports for international trade access.
Short, Medium, and Long-term Strategies
Dantsoho further stated that the government is pursuing a combination of short, medium, and long-term strategies to improve port efficiency. These include rehabilitation of existing ports, deployment of technology-driven systems, and development of new deep-sea infrastructure. He noted that other countries in the sub-region, such as Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic, are also modernizing their port facilities in response to rising global shipping demands and competition.
The PMAWCA president stressed that member countries are intensifying investments in port infrastructure, technology, and deep seaport development to strengthen trade facilitation and position the region as a major global maritime hub. He cautioned that delays in infrastructure renewal could leave Africa behind in global shipping and trade, emphasizing that ports across the sub-region must undergo aggressive modernization to remain competitive.
Technology-Driven Solutions
Speaking on the meeting's resolutions, Dantsoho said member states resolved to deepen the deployment of technology-driven solutions, including the National Single Window platform and Port Community Systems, to improve cargo clearance processes and reduce delays at ports.
Minister's Remarks
In his closing remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, reiterated the need for stronger regional cooperation, strategic investment, and inclusive development to drive transformation of ports and the entire maritime sector across West and Central Africa. Represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Oyinloye Meshack, Oyetola said deliberations during the three-day gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration among African countries and joint action in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within the ports and logistics ecosystem.
The minister noted that the conference theme, "Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development," provided strategic direction for enhancing competitiveness and future readiness of ports in the region. He added that a visit by delegates to the Lekki Deep Sea Port demonstrated what can be achieved through strategic investment, innovation, and effective public-private sector collaboration. Oyetola further stressed the need for African countries to work together in addressing supply chain disruptions, climate-related pressures, and the transition towards greener shipping systems.
