The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has unveiled plans by the Federal Government to replicate the success of the Lekki Deep Seaport across Nigeria’s maritime sector, describing it as a blueprint for transformative growth and economic development.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Opportunities: The Lekki Deep Seaport Playbook for Trade and Shipping in Nigeria,” Oyetola said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive maritime industry.
He described the Lekki Deep Seaport a $1.5 billion facility with capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually as a “landmark achievement” and “game-changer” for West Africa. The Minister noted that the port has already created thousands of jobs, improved cargo evacuation through new access roads, and restored investor confidence in Nigeria’s logistics chain.
“Cargo now moves out faster, investors move in with confidence, and trade flows without unnecessary delay,” he said, stressing that the port, which currently operates at just 20 percent capacity, still holds vast untapped opportunities.
Oyetola explained that the “Lekki playbook” rests on five key pillars: strategic location, a robust public-private partnership framework, integrated transport links, supportive government policies, and technology-driven operations.
Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (middle); Managing Director, Lekki Port LFTZ, Wang Qiang (2nd from left); Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (3rd from left); President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Alhaji Aminu Umar (4th from left); Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike (right); Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Fatai Adeyemi (2nd right) and others at a Breakfast Meeting organized by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday.
He confirmed that this model would guide ongoing efforts to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, while upgrading the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers to stimulate balanced regional development.
The Minister also revealed that the government is finalising the Port Community System, integrated with the National Single Window, to create a paperless, transparent, and secure digital environment for all maritime stakeholders.
In addition, Oyetola announced the immediate commencement of the long-awaited disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified indigenous shipowners by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
According to him, strengthening Nigeria’s shipping fleet and establishing a National Flag Carrier remain central to building local capacity and enhancing the country’s presence on global trade lanes.
He emphasised that the Lekki Deep Seaport’s success demonstrates what can be achieved when policy, vision, investment, and execution align, urging stakeholders to replicate and scale the model for the prosperity of Nigeria and Africa at large.
The breakfast meeting drew key figures from government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, and the organised private sector.
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