From Vision to Growth: How the Lekki NPA Team is Transforming Shipping Business at LFT

 

 

 

Segun Oladipupo

 

 

When Lekki Deep Seaport began commercial operations, it was heralded as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime sector, a modern deep-water gateway capable of handling the largest vessels servicing West Africa. Positioned outside the congested Apapa/Tin Can corridor, Lekki was envisioned to decongest Lagos ports, boost exports, accelerate trade and reposition Nigeria as a regional logistics hub.

 

Today, that vision is taking tangible shape, thanks largely to focused reforms and investments steered by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Lekki management team under the leadership of the Lekki Port Manager, Anda Emmanuel.

 

 

Export Growth and Cargo Performance.

 

One of the most striking metrics of Lekki’s rise is the dramatic increase in exports and container traffic occasioned by the automation of the port by NPA managers.

 

Nigeria’s export-laden containers surged by over 53%, while total container throughput grew nearly 10% in 2024 compared with 2023 and even further to about 80 percent in 2025 — reflecting stronger trade flows and export competitiveness.

 

 

Overall port calls climbed across Nigerian ports, with Lekki leading this trend, recording ship call increases at nearly five-hundred percent, underscoring its rising stature in regional maritime traffic.

 

 

In 2023, Lekki processed 6,076 TEUs of transshipment cargo — an important indicator that the port is not only handling import and export traffic but acting as a regional transshipment hub.

 

 

More recent data suggests that in 2025 Lekki contributed nearly half of all cargo volumes among Nigerian ports, while also hosting the largest ships measured by Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT).

 

This is a crystal manifestation of the efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority management team led by unrelenting Port Manager, Emmanuel.

 

These figures mark a shift in Nigeria’s export dynamics, moving toward a balanced trade profile facilitated by improved port services and export processing infrastructure.

 

Infrastructure: Roads, Dredging and Tug Boats

 

Road and Hinterland Connectivity

The Federal Government, in collaboration with Lagos State and private partners, has upgraded critical access roads linking Lekki Port to major highways — significantly reducing congestion and improving cargo evacuation.

 

Better road links have been essential to reducing logjams that once crippled Nigerian ports for decades.

 

 

Dredging and Channel Deepening

To attract larger vessels and improve navigability, the port channel is being deepened from 16.5m to 17m, with a long-term goal of achieving 19m depths. This enables Lekki to berth super post-Panamax ships, a critical factor for economies of scale in global shipping.

 

 

Tugboats and Marine Support Craft

In 2023, the NPA acquired two Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboats with 80-ton bollard pull — among the first of their kind in Africa — to facilitate the berthing of very large vessels.

 

 

Additionally, service boat operations grew nearly 50%, reflecting increased offshore services and enhanced marine infrastructure.

 

 

However, equipment constraints remain. Despite the gains, stakeholders continue to highlight insufficient tugboat numbers and marine support assets relative to the scale of operations at Lekki and other ports, which at times slows vessel movements and berthing efficiency.

3. Revenue and Economic Impact

The NPA has reported substantial increases in revenue beyond core port charges:

 

In 2023, the authority generated about N501 billion in revenue, with diversified income streams beyond conventional port tariffs.

 

 

NPA also licensed 10 Export Processing Terminals aimed at removing procedural delays and streamlining export operations — an innovation that boosted export traffic and revenue.

 

 

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being forged to derive income from power production, bunkering, logistics real estate, freshwater supply, and ship repairs — insulating revenue against traditional port volatility.

 

 

Officials project Lekki’s long-term economic footprint may reach hundreds of billions of dollars over decades, reflecting its potential as a catalyst for industrial and trade expansion.

 

 

Operational Improvements and Efficiency Gains.

 

Structural reforms amping up operational efficiency include:

Reduced truck turnaround times through electronic call-up systems and better traffic management.

Mandatory safety standards for trucks accessing port facilities, driving down accidents and delays.

 

 

Advancements in automation and port community systems are expected to streamline documentation and clearance — though full deployment remains a work in progress.

 

 

In 2024, average vessel turnaround times decreased slightly and berth occupancy improved, signaling measurable operational gains.

 

 

Persistent Challenges

Despite major strides, significant challenges remain:

 

Manpower Shortages and Skills Gaps.

 

Port expansion and advanced operations require specialised human capital, but shortages of skilled maritime professionals hamper peak performance, particularly in sophisticated automated and marine service roles.

 

NPA has taken steps toward better training and salary improvements, yet scaling up workforce capacity to match port expansion remains critical.

 

 

Equipment Constraints

 

While new tugs and service boats have boosted capacity, equipment levels remain inadequate relative to the rapid growth of ship calls and vessel size. More tug boats and pilotage crafts are needed to avoid delays during peak operations.

 

Dependence on imported marine assets and foreign exchange volatility complicates procurement and deployment.

Interagency Coordination and Paperless Systems.

 

Full implementation of automated Port Community Systems and integration of all border agencies is still evolving a delay that occasionally slows clearance and increases dwell times.

 

 

Hinterland Connectivity Beyond Roads

Rail links remain sparse. While road improvements help, an integrated multimodal network — blending rail, coastal barge and inland waterway connections — is still largely unbuilt, limiting hinterland reach and cost efficiencies. Stakeholders continue to call for accelerated rail integration.

 

 

Conclusion: A Port Poised for Leadership

 

In just a few years since commercial launch, Lekki Deep Seaport has emerged as a linchpin of Nigeria’s maritime renaissance improving exports, accelerating ship calls, boosting revenue, and showing the benefits of smart PPPs and infrastructure investment.

 

Yet, for Lekki to realize its full potential as a regional hub — competing with major West African ports and driving deeper integration under initiatives like AfCFTA persistent challenges in manpower, equipment, hinterland connectivity and digital integration must be addressed through sustained policy focus, investment, and strategic partnerships.

 

The journey reflects progress and promise, but also the reality that world-class port performance must be matched by world-class support systems across the value chain.

 

All attempts to get the comments of the Lekki NPA management team proved abortive as the Port Manager stated that he was not allowed to communicate with the media.