The Federal Government has announced plans to replicate the Lekki Deep Seaport model across Nigeria’s maritime sector as part of efforts to modernise and transform the nation’s ports into globally competitive trade gateways.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Opportunities: The Lekki Deep Seaport Playbook for Trade and Shipping in Nigeria.”
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Oyetola described the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport as a “landmark achievement” and a “game-changer” for West Africa, citing its operational efficiency, job creation potential, and ability to attract foreign investment.
He noted that the facility, with a handling capacity of 1.2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), has already eased congestion at Nigerian ports by improving road access and eliminating bottlenecks.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, this administration is committed to taking the lessons of Lekki and applying them nationwide to transform our entire port system into a network of modern, efficient, and competitive gateways.
To this end, we are modernising the Western Ports in Apapa, upgrading the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers to stimulate balanced regional growth, and finalising the Port Community System integrated with the National Single Window to create a paperless, transparent, and secure digital environment for all maritime stakeholders,” the Minister said.
The Minister explained that the Lekki model is anchored on five key pillars: strategic location, robust public–private partnership framework, integrated transport links, supportive government policies, and technology-driven operations.
He said that the Federal Government is already applying this framework to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, as well as upgrade the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers.
To strengthen digital transformation in the sector, Oyetola announced that the government is finalising the Port Community System integrated with the National Single Window to create a paperless, transparent, and secure maritime environment.
The Minister also disclosed that he has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to commence the disbursement of the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified Nigerian shipowners. This, he said, would empower indigenous players, boost local capacity, and pave the way for the establishment of a National Shipping Carrier.
He stressed that the success of the Lekki Deep Seaport demonstrates what is possible when policy, vision, investment, and execution align, urging stakeholders to scale the model for the prosperity of Nigeria and the African continent.
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“The maritime industry stands at the heart of our economic aspirations not merely as a conduit for trade, but as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and regional integration. Our vision is clear: to build a modern, safe, efficient, and globally competitive maritime sector that fully unlocks Nigeria’s economic potential,” the minister said.
“Achieving this vision will require more than sound policies; it demands sustained investment in infrastructure, targeted capacity building, accelerated digital transformation, and strong, enduring partnerships with the private sector.”
