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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The $1.5 billion Lekki Deepsea Port which commenced operations in April 2023 with a capacity to process about 1.2 million cargoes annually continues to receive commendation for various operational milestones it has achieved within so short a time. Parading the draught of 16.5 metres, the deepest of ports under the superintendence of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), it sits on a 19- hectare land area.
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‎So far, the Lekki Deepsea Port has successfully transhipped over 62,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) to various West African countries;  its smart port model is unique in Nigeria while the short turnaround time for vessels stands at just 2 days. The physical layout of the Port has a 2 kilometres breakwater ridge which calms the waves from the harbour with a 9.6 kilometre channel providing the way for the 4 tug boats used by the Port to bring in the large vessels that drop  cargoes.
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‎The Port has a  680m quay length, with a breakwater of 2km for the Phase 1 operations. Upon expansion to Phase 2, the quayway will be extended to 1,500m, and the depth will become minus 19.5meters in the near future.
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‎The Port’s  development was made possible through a 45-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model from the NPA.
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‎The scanners only need about 33 seconds to scan a container as soon as the 5 gantry (ship to shore cranes) have  done the usual evacuation. The stacking method follows the 7 wide , 6 heights system. Moving à container from ship to shore takes a maximum of 3 minutes and presently, about 20% of the cargoes are evacuated through barges. The Port’s integrated automated operations makes business easier for port users.
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‎From January to August 2025, the port recorded 88,432 TEU imports, 123,013 TEU exports, 62,581 TEU transshipment moves, 16,925 TEU restows, and 34,710 TEU barge movements with a projection to handle over 500,000 TEUs by end of 2025. Transshipment already represents 38 per cent of total activity, signalling the port’s growing hub status.
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‎Mr Emmanuel Anda, the Lekki Port Manager, has been commended for contributing to  improve operational services at the port . This has seen the Port engage in various innovative operational methods involving the transshipment of cargoes. The Port has evolved into a strategic maritime gateway, reshaping the logistics landscape of West Africa and opening new corridors for trade and industrial ambition across the continent.
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‎The port facility includes three container berths, three liquid bulk berths and one dry bulk berth. The dry bulk and liquid terminal operations are in view. The Port is presently operating at about 50% of its designed capacity. Barge operations currently account for 20% of cargo movement, but rail connectivity is essential for long-term efficiency, particularly with the Lekki Free Zone’s industrial activities.
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‎Lekki Port’s technological design integrates automated gates, OCR systems, ship-to-shore cranes, rubber- tyred gantry cranes, FS 6000 drive-through scanners, truck parks, and advanced control systems.
‎Its berth productivity averages 18 to 20 moves per hour, with truck turnaround time at approximately 45 minutes and container dwell time at 12 to 13 days. The Port is currently Nigeria’s second-largest terminal.
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‎In agreement with the NPA, Mr Emmanuel Anda, Lekki Deepsea Port’s Manager, admits that the transformational impact has recalibrated West Africa’s maritime geography.
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‎“For the first time, Nigeria is handling ultra-large vessels efficiently; Lekki is deepening Nigeria’s presence on global shipping routes and strengthening our maritime competitiveness. He said that the port was significantly boosting export activity, helping Nigeria approach a healthier balance of trade.
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‎”The continued progression could see Lekki become a global export hub within 10 to 15 years”. Mr. Anda added.
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‎Road infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, and the planned Lagos Green Line rail connection will significantly boost cargo evacuation and accessibility.
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‎In the wider West African theatre, where the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is opening unprecedented opportunities, Lekki Deep Sea Port offers something rare: scale, speed and unmatched efficiency.
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‎Amid capacity constraints in neighbouring countries and rising demand for deep-water logistics, Lekki gives Africa a competitive edge. On an ordinary day, containers rise like a new skyline, cranes swing rhythmically over the quayside, and massive ships glide into position. Beneath the mechanical precision is something more profound: a new economic centre is being born on the Nigerian coastline.
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‎Presently, exports are surpassing imports, there is free-flowing cargo movement in and out of the seaports and Dangote Refinery, plus port automation—including marine operations like the 4 tugboats and efficient barging—the story centres on seamless activities within the pilotage district.
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‎With great enthusiasm, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has said the Federal Government estimates that more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created over the 45-year concession period including revenue contributions of 158 billion dollars, alongside 361 billion dollars in GDP impact from the project.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎In 2025, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recorded a total revenue of ₦147,216,149,033.81k, surpassing its target of ₦109,442,892,919.86k. This figure represents a significant increase of over ₦107,182,674,904.00k achieved in 2024. The N40, 033,474,129.81 difference reflects a 35 percent growth as it demonstrates the effectiveness of the Command’s improved enforcement strategies, operational efficiency, and increased compliance among stakeholders.
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller B. L. Adigun disclosed this in Lagos, Friday, during a press conference.
‎The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, he explained, is ever committed to strict enforcement actions against the  influx of expired and falsely declared goods even as it unveiled a remarkable revenue growth in 2025.
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‎He appreciated members of the press, stakeholders, and partner agencies, expressing confidence that the New Year would bring renewed opportunities for collaboration, growth, and the continued advancement of shared objectives in trade facilitation, border security, and compliance.
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‎According to DC Adigun, the KLT Terminal Area Command remains committed to uphold its mandate of facilitating legitimate trade, preventing smuggling, enforcing Customs laws and protecting national revenue. He emphasized that the Command continues to focus on ensuring compliance, safeguarding public health and promoting efficient trade operations at the terminals through sustained enforcement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

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‎He handed over to  the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), a 1×20-foot container, GESU3900612, containing 440 bags of 25kg expired raw material known as Triple Pressed Stearic Acid from Indonesia. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) is of ₦36,556,539.00k only. The container, he explained, was intercepted during routine cargo examination during which the contents were found to violate import regulations while posing potential risks to public health.
‎The Acting CAC described the handover as a clear demonstration of the Command’s sustained collaboration with sister agencies to prevent the importation of expired and substandard products.
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‎He revealed that in a related enforcement activity, a 1×40-foot container, MSKU 4798018, was intercepted at Joliz Terminal. The container was discovered to contain items that were falsely declared as zipped luggage but found to contain empty suit cases, with Duty Paid Value of ₦5,010,000.00k only.
‎This seizure, he explained, underscores the Command’s zero-tolerance approach to false declaration, smuggling, and other trade infractions.

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‎He expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his Management Team for their leadership, guidance, and for creating an enabling environment that empowers the Command to deliver effectively on its mandate.
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‎He also commended the officers and men of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command for their dedication, professionalism, and integrity in combating smuggling and other unlawful trade activities. He urged them to sustain this level of commitment, consistently adhere to the rules of engagement, and maintain high standards of conduct in the execution of their statutory duties.
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‎DC Adigun acknowledged the support of compliant stakeholders and partner agencies whose collaboration has been instrumental to the progress and achievements of the Command. Such cooperation, he emphasized, remains vital to sustaining operational efficiency, enforcing compliance, and safeguarding national revenue.
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‎Appreciating the press and media for their resilience, commitment to responsible reporting, and for keeping the public informed and engaged even as he assured stakeholders and the general public that the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command would continue to block revenue leakages, combat illegal importation and support national health and security objectives throughout the year and beyond.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The inauguration of a new Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Monday, sets a clear reform agenda for Nigerian seaports as reduced port costs and fair pricing now take centre stage.
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‎Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated this in a statement.
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‎At the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola charged the Board to focus on improving accountability in operations, reduced cost of doing business and strengthened regulation processes across the shipping sector.
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‎The reconstitution of the Council’s governing structure, he stated, follows the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that good governance and repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy should serve as a key engine of national economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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‎Oyetola reminded the Board that as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Shippers’ Council is central in efforts to achieve efficiency, transparency and fairness in port charges and service delivery.
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‎Robust economic regulation, the Minister maintained, is critical to lowering trade costs, protecting shippers and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness within the sub-region and beyond.
‎The Minister urged Board members to provide firm strategic leadership and effective oversight, insisting that regulatory decisions must translate into measurable outcomes, including improved port efficiency, fair pricing, and enhanced trade facilitation.
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‎He called for seamless collaboration between the Board and the Council’s management, while assuring members of the Ministry’s full support in delivering their mandate.
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‎Dr Ibrahim Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, is the Chair of the newly -inaugurated Board. Other members are Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (NACCIMA); Mr. John Aluya (MAN); Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins and Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde.
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‎Others are Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed (NNPCL); Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
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‎Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and commended the Minister for his leadership of the sector. He pledged that the Board would uphold professionalism and integrity while supporting reforms aimed at improving port performance, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and delivering tangible benefits to shippers and the national economy.
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‎NSC serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations, while safeguarding the interests of shippers and enhancing the country’s maritime trade environment.
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