- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (middle), Managing Director, Lekki Port LFTZ, Wang Qiang (second left), Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike (right); Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Fatai Adeyemi (second right), and others at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping’s breakfast meeting in Lagos…recently
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced the federal government’s plans to replicate the success story of the Lekki Deep Seaport across Nigeria’s maritime sector, citing it as a model for transformative growth and development.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, under the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities: The Lekki Deep Seaport Playbook for Trade and Shipping in Nigeria,” Oyetola restated government’s commitment to building a modern, safe and globally competitive maritime sector.
According to him, a central component of the current administration’s strategy is the nationwide application of the public-private partnership model and logistical efficiency demonstrated by the Lekki Deep Seaport.
“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,” the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, quoted him to say.
“Our vision is clear: to build a modern, safe, efficient and globally competitive maritime sector that fully unlocks Nigeria’s economic potential.
“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.
Valued at $1.5 billion, the Lekki facility was hailed as a “landmark achievement” and a “game-changer” for West Africa. The minister highlighted its capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs and accommodate large vessels, and having already generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He further commended the completion of critical access roads which, for the first time in decades, has freed major Nigerian ports from logistical bottlenecks.
Against this background, he noted that “cargo now moves out faster, investors move in with confidence, and trade flows without unnecessary delay,” adding that the port, which currently operates at only 20 per cent capacity, “presents vast, untapped opportunities for investors.”
According to the minister, the “Lekki playbook” is founded on five key pillars: a strategic location, robust public–private partnership framework, integrated transport links by road, rail and inland waterways, supportive policies, and technology-driven operations.
To apply this model nationwide, Oyetola said the ministry was actively modernising Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, and also upgrading the Eastern Ports of Onne, Calabar and Rivers.
He stated the current administration’s commitment to applying the Lekki lessons nationwide to transform the entire port system into a network of modern, efficient and competitive gateways.
Therefore, “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.”
Similarly, towards empowering indigenous participation, Oyetola said he has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to immediately commence the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified Nigerian shipowners.
He emphasised that a strong national shipping fleet is essential to building local capacity and asserting Nigeria’s presence on global trade lanes, with the ultimate goal of establishing a national flag carrier.
Urging all stakeholders to replicate, refine and scale the Lekki Deep Seaport model for the prosperity of Nigeria and the African continent, Oyetola described it as a clear evidence of what can be achieved when policy, vision, investment and execution align.
