The Federal Government has endorsed plans to expand dredging operations at Lekki Deep Seaport to enable the accommodation of larger vessels and boost cargo handling capacity. This development was announced by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, via the NPA’s official X account on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Currently, Lekki Deep Seaport has a draught of 16.5 metres, but the new dredging project aims to increase this depth, although the exact target depth was not disclosed. The approval follows the endorsement of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who supports the strategic alliance between the NPA and Lekki Port to enhance port operations and prepare for higher vessel and cargo throughput.
Dr. Dantsoho praised the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for their consistent superior performance and reiterated the NPA’s commitment to supporting the port’s operational optimization. He stated that expanding Lekki Port’s capacity aligns with the broader NPA modernization programme, which enjoys strong policy backing from Minister Oyetola.
The expanded dredging will enable Lekki to berth super post-panamax vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to leverage economies of scale and increasing the port’s appeal for transshipment. The port’s modern infrastructure and automated systems contribute to faster vessel turnaround times, which is expected to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports, particularly agro-allied products, under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Dantsoho highlighted the steady rise in transshipment volumes at Lekki, positioning it as a critical hub for Nigeria and its landlocked neighbouring countries. The development of Lekki Deep Seaport is seen as a model for the direction the NPA is taking in aggressively implementing port modernization across Nigeria.
The announcement came during Dr. Dantsoho’s visit to the port, accompanied by key stakeholders including the Chairman of the Lekki Port Board, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri; Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr. Qiang Wang; NPA’s Executive Director Finance & Administration, Vivian Richard-Edet; and Director of Lekki Port, Alhaji Olabode Oyedele.
Lekki Deep Seaport is operated by Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), the concessionaire awarded by the NPA to develop and manage the port. LPLEL, a joint venture involving China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., Tolaram Group, Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government through NPA, operates within the Lagos Free Trade Zone under the license of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). The port is a multipurpose, common user facility authorized to sub-concession terminal operations to other companies.
The Federal Government’s approval to expand dredging at Lekki Deep Seaport marks a significant step in boosting Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, enhancing the nation’s position in regional and international trade.
