Nigeria Expands Port Capacity

Nigeria is undertaking a major initiative to expand its port capacity and implement significant maritime reforms, aiming to establish itself as the leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa. This was announced by Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, at the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Lagos. The federal government has approved the development of additional deep seaports and is committed to modernizing existing ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and improved operational efficiency. These efforts have already reduced logistics bottlenecks and improved cargo evacuation. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigeria — Nigerian Ports Authority and President of Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, highlighted over $27 billion in port projects across the region, including major developments in Guinea, Ivory Coast, and the Ondo Deep Sea Port in Nigeria, as well as investments by APM Terminals. The initiative also focuses on maritime security, with the Deep Blue Project eliminating piracy in Nigerian waters.