The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $1 billion in the expansion and modernisation of Apapa Port in Lagos as part of efforts to increase export capacity, improve port operations and strengthen Nigeria’s position in international trade.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the ongoing Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Dantsoho said Nigeria’s exports had increased by 25 per cent over the past two years, attributing the growth to government reforms and improved cooperation between the NPA and private terminal operators.
He explained that the proposed Apapa Port project forms part of the government’s medium- and long-term plans to upgrade critical maritime infrastructure, increase cargo-handling capacity and improve the country’s ability to benefit from growing regional and international trade.
According to him, the project will require substantial private sector funding, prompting the NPA to engage major terminal operators, including APM Terminals, alongside other international partners.
The NPA chief noted that export growth had extended beyond the oil and gas sector, with increased shipments of agricultural commodities, raw materials and manufactured goods, including cocoa and cashew.
He said the authority was also strengthening non-oil exports through the establishment of approximately four Export Processing Terminals across the country.
The facilities are designed to ensure that export goods undergo the necessary processing and quality checks locally before shipment, reducing delays and preventing problems associated with international standards.
Dantsoho explained that the initiative involved collaboration between the NPA, Nigeria Customs Service, terminal operators and other relevant government agencies.
On regional trade, he said Nigeria was better positioned to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing the country’s population, expanding economic activities and growing investor interest as major advantages.
He also highlighted growing economic cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco, particularly in manufacturing and the automobile industry, noting opportunities for increased trade and knowledge exchange between both countries.
Dantsoho further attributed improvements in port operations to technological investments, institutional reforms and partnerships with international maritime operators.
He disclosed that two Nigerian ports had featured among the top 20 in the latest global ports ranking by the World Bank, describing the development as evidence of improved efficiency.
The NPA managing director also claimed that revenue generated across the country’s ports had quadrupled, alongside significant increases in cargo volumes.
He said the authority would continue strengthening partnerships with maritime operators in countries including Morocco and South Africa to sustain the progress recorded in the sector.
On digital transformation, Dantsoho revealed that the NPA was working with a Singaporean company to develop a National Single Window system and partnering with a firm from Abu Dhabi to establish a Port Community System.
The proposed digital platforms are expected to simplify cargo clearance, improve information sharing and strengthen coordination among port stakeholders.
He added that the authority was encouraging business-to-business partnerships to attract the investment, expertise and technology needed to modernise Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The planned $1 billion Apapa Port upgrade is expected to form a major part of the government’s broader efforts to improve trade facilitation, expand non-oil exports and make Nigerian ports more competitive in the African and global maritime markets.
