The Traffic

FG Approves Expansion Dredging at Lekki Deep Seaport to Boost Vessel Capacity

By Achimi muktar 

In a bold move set to transform Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Federal Government has given a green light to an ambitious dredging expansion project at the Lekki Deep Seaport — a development poised to unlock the port’s potential to host some of the world’s largest cargo vessels.

The announcement came via the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who revealed the update on Sunday, May 25, 2025, through the NPA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. Although the current draught at the port stands at 16.5 metres, the new dredging initiative aims to go even deeper — though the exact target depth is yet to be disclosed.

“This comes on the heels of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola’s endorsement of the strategic alliance between the NPA and Lekki Port to dredge beyond the current draft,” the NPA post read, hinting at a massive leap in capacity and trade efficiency.

The strategic expansion aligns with Nigeria’s vision of becoming a global shipping hub, particularly in the wake of rising vessel traffic and the nation’s role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Dantsoho praised the port’s management for its consistent performance and reiterated NPA’s commitment to backing the port’s operational optimization.

“This isn’t just about deeper waters,” Dantsoho emphasized during his recent visit to the port. “It’s about deeper impact — on our economy, our trade potential, and our global competitiveness.”

He further noted that Lekki Deep Seaport is fast becoming a game-changer, citing increased transshipment volumes and enhanced capacity to serve Nigeria’s landlocked neighbours. With its automated systems, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and improved vessel turnaround times, the port is strategically positioned to boost the export of agro-allied products and other goods under AfCFTA.

Accompanied by high-level industry stakeholders—including Lekki Port Board Chairman Mr. Abiodun Dabiri, Lekki Port MD Mr. Qiang Wang, and other top executives—Dr. Dantsoho described the port as a model for the NPA’s future, showcasing what’s possible when innovation meets strategic partnership.

Lekki Deep Seaport is operated by Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), a Special Purpose Vehicle created to develop, build, and run the facility under a concession from the NPA. The company operates within the Lagos Free Trade Zone and is backed by a powerful consortium: China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., Tolaram Group, the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the NPA.

As a multipurpose, common-user facility, Lekki Port holds the authority to sub-concession terminals to other companies—further opening doors for economic diversification and foreign investment.

With this endorsement of the expansion dredging project, Nigeria isn’t just deepening a port — it’s deepening its place on the map of global trade.