The Federal Government has approved maintenance dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport channel, with immediate works to increase depth from 16.5 meters to 17 meters and long-term plans to achieve 19 meters.
The announcement came during Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho’s inaugural visit to the port over the weekend.
Dantsoho, accompanied by senior NPA officials, revealed China Harbour Engineering Company would execute the dredging project.
“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with NPA’s recommendation, secured approval for Lekki Port’s channel dredging after nearly three years of deliberations,” he stated.
The NPA chief noted the authority deliberately bypassed its joint venture Lagos Channel Management to strengthen partnership with Lekki Port’s operators.
The NPA MD praised Lekki Port’s operational performance, particularly its capacity to handle super post-panamax vessels. “Lekki’s rapid cargo turnaround positions Nigeria competitively for AfCFTA trade, especially agro-exports,” Dantsoho remarked. “The port’s efficiency drives transshipment growth, serving neighboring countries and helping NPA achieve economies of scale.” He projected export volumes could “double or triple shortly” with sustained infrastructure development.
On automation, Dantsoho confirmed Lekki Port’s advanced systems align with requirements for Nigeria’s upcoming Port Community System and National Single Window initiatives.
“Lekki’s technology deployment sets the standard we hope other terminals will soon match,” he noted. The NPA has also awarded contracts for channel surveys to optimize navigation management.
Responding to Lekki Port’s request for reduced ship dues, Dantsoho explained NPA’s dollarized equipment purchases limit fee reductions. “We need revenue to maintain navigational buoys, tug boats and other critical assets,” he said, promising future reviews once electronic systems boost collections.
Lekki Port MD Wang Qiang presented several policy requests including adjusted tariffs reflecting inflation, reduced dues for large vessels, and night pilotage services to enable 24/7 operations. “These measures will enhance our competitiveness,” Qiang emphasized.
The NPA delegation also visited the adjacent $19.5 billion Dangote Refinery, meeting with Aliko Dangote to discuss synergies between the mega projects. Dantsoho reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to supporting Lekki Port’s growth as a strategic national asset.
