NPA To Begin $1bn Port Modernisation Project Before End Of Q3 2026

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says physical work on its $1 billion port modernisation project will commence before the end of the third quarter of 2026 as it concludes stakeholder consultations and host community engagements ahead of contractors’ mobilisation.

The authority gave the assurance amid concerns within the maritime industry over reports that Nigeria has begun repaying the foreign loan obtained for the project, including accrued interest, despite construction not yet starting.

Speaking on the project, the NPA’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority is completing the final pre-construction processes required before contractors move to site.

According to him, stakeholder and host community engagements are necessary to prepare port users and residents for the large-scale construction activities expected during the implementation phase.

“We are looking at the end of this quarter. As of now, we are preparing for stakeholder engagement and community engagement ahead of the commencement,” Onyemekara said.

He explained that the sensitisation exercise is intended to inform stakeholders and host communities about the influx of heavy equipment, increased traffic, and construction-related noise that will accompany the project.

“We want to sensitise the stakeholders and the host communities about what is coming so that everyone understands the scope of the project. We are looking at the end of the quarter for them to commence,” he added.

The announcement provides one of the clearest indications that the long-delayed port rehabilitation programme is nearing implementation.

The $1 billion modernisation initiative is one of the largest infrastructure renewal projects in Nigeria’s maritime sector. It is expected to address decades of ageing infrastructure at key seaports, including the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port.

Industry stakeholders believe the project will improve operational efficiency, increase cargo handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports across the West and Central African sub-region.