The Federal Government has unveiled plans to replicate the Lekki Deep Seaport model across Nigeria as part of its maritime transformation agenda, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed.
Speaking at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Breakfast Meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, Oyetola said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s ports into world-class trade hubs that can rival global shipping giants.
The meeting, themed “Unlocking Opportunities: The Lekki Deep Seaport Playbook for Trade and Shipping in Nigeria”, brought together maritime stakeholders, terminal operators, shipping companies, and private sector leaders.
Commissioned in 2023, the Lekki Deep Seaport is Nigeria’s first deep-water port and is widely regarded as a game-changer for West African trade.
Built through a $1.5 billion public-private partnership, the port has a handling capacity of 1.2 million TEUs annually and is equipped to berth some of the world’s largest vessels.
Oyetola noted that the project has already generated thousands of jobs and attracted fresh investment flows, while significantly reducing port congestion.
He highlighted that the facility’s success lies not only in its size but also in the modern logistics infrastructure, including upgraded access roads and plans for rail and inland waterway connectivity.
“Cargo now moves faster, investors are more confident, and the country is saving billions in lost trade opportunities. This is the model we intend to replicate across Nigeria,” he said.
According to the Minister, the “Lekki playbook” is anchored on five strategic pillars:
Public–private partnerships (PPP) that attract long-term investment.
Integrated transport links — road, rail, and waterways.
Technology-driven processes for faster cargo clearance.
Supportive policies that enhance investor confidence.
Job creation and local participation to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
He disclosed that modernization works are already ongoing at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, while the Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers are set for massive upgrades to stimulate regional trade and decongest the Western corridor.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that every region of the country benefits from port modernization.
The goal is not just to replicate Lekki but to build a network of efficient, competitive, and technologically advanced ports,” Oyetola said.
In a bid to boost indigenous participation, the Minister directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to expedite the disbursement of the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
The fund, estimated at over $350 million, will provide financial support for qualified Nigerian shipowners to acquire modern vessels, thereby strengthening local capacity in coastal and international shipping.
Oyetola emphasized that developing a strong national fleet is critical to capturing a greater share of cargo currently dominated by foreign vessels, while also positioning Nigeria to launch a National Flag Carrier.
Maritime experts at the event welcomed the government’s vision, describing it as “ambitious but necessary” for Nigeria to achieve true trade competitiveness.
According to shipping analyst Dr. Tony Eke, “The Lekki model shows what can happen when government policies align with investor confidence.
If replicated across the country, it could drastically cut logistics costs, reduce demurrage, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s trade hub.”
However, he warned that implementation must be matched with policy consistency, security guarantees, and speedy adoption of digital platforms such as the Port Community System and National Single Window, both of which are critical to reducing corruption and bottlenecks.
For Oyetola, the message is clear: Nigeria’s maritime sector is central to President Tinubu’s economic recovery plan.
With over 85% of Nigeria’s trade passing through its seaports, modernising the sector is expected to unlock billions of dollars in revenue, create new jobs, and attract foreign investment.
“The Lekki Deep Seaport is proof of what is possible when vision, investment, and execution come together.
We must now replicate, refine, and scale this model nationwide for the prosperity of Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” the Minister concluded.
The landmark announcement signals a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development strategy — one that could redefine the nation’s global trade competitiveness for decades to come.