Lekki Deep Sea Port Hits Capacity As NPA Seeks Fresh Investment In Seaports
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called on local and international investors to inject fresh capital into Nigeria’s maritime sector, following the exhaustion of the operational capacity of the Lekki Deep Sea Port barely three years after its commissioning.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, made the appeal at the 2026 World Ports Conference in London, where he highlighted investment opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to attract private sector participation.
Dantsoho said the rapid increase in cargo demand, population growth and expanding economic activities had made it urgent for Nigeria to develop bigger and deeper seaports capable of accommodating larger vessels and supporting increased export activities.
He disclosed that the Lekki Deep Sea Port, commissioned approximately three years ago, had already exhausted its capacity, underscoring the need for additional investments in port infrastructure.
According to him, Nigeria’s population has grown from about 45 million at independence in 1960 to more than 260 million, creating significant demand for maritime services and related infrastructure.
The NPA boss identified population growth, urbanisation, rising cargo volumes and existing infrastructure deficits as major opportunities for investors interested in Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider African market.
He stressed that the government could not independently shoulder the financial responsibility of developing modern seaports, urging private investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the sector.
Dantsoho cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example of the scale of investment required for modern maritime infrastructure, noting that the facility was developed at a cost of approximately $1.6 billion through Chinese-backed investment involving China Harbour.
He also highlighted Africa’s largely untapped resources as a major attraction for investors seeking opportunities in port development and maritime infrastructure.
The NPA managing director, who is also Vice-President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours and Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, said the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, had introduced investor-friendly policies to create an enabling environment for private sector investment.
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s exports had increased by 25 per cent in two years, stressing the need to bridge existing infrastructure gaps to sustain the growth and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international trade.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had earlier disclosed that the Federal Government was prioritising the modernisation of the Onne, Warri and Calabar ports to reduce pressure on Lagos ports and improve cargo distribution across the country.
Oyetola said more than 70 per cent of cargo destined for other parts of Nigeria still passed through Lagos ports, highlighting the need to develop alternative maritime gateways.
The 2026 World Ports Conference, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours, was held from November 3 to 6 at Olympia’s International Convention Centre in London under the theme, ‘Port Leadership for a Brave New World’.
The conference brought together port executives and maritime industry stakeholders from different parts of the world to discuss emerging trends, operational challenges and investment opportunities in the global maritime industry.
However, despite Nigeria’s investment appeal at the conference, no specific new port projects, financing arrangements or investment commitments were announced.
