Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first deep seaport, has reached a significant milestone, operating at nearly 50% of its designed capacity.
The port’s Managing Director, Mr. Wang Qiang, attributes this growth to increasing confidence from shipping lines and cargo owners, with container throughput rising steadily since September.
To sustain this growth, Lekki Port is focusing on multimodal connectivity and digital integration. Barge operations currently account for 10% of cargo movement, but rail connectivity is essential for long-term efficiency, particularly with the Lekki Free Zone’s industrial activities.
The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project will improve road access, but rail infrastructure is crucial for the port’s ambitions. Digital alignment among stakeholders is also key, with the terminal already fully automated.
However, government agencies must adopt end-to-end digital processes to realize automation’s full benefits .
Highlights:
50% Capacity :Lekki Port’s current operational capacity
Rail and Digital: Focus areas for next growth phase
Barge Operations: Temporary solution for cargo evacuation
Lagos-Calabar Road: Ongoing project to improve access
Automation:Full benefits dependent on stakeholder alignment
Captain Jedrzej Mierzewski, CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal, notes the terminal’s rapid growth, making it Nigeria’s second-largest terminal. He emphasizes modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and ambitions to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa ².
