*** NPA Commends Lekki Port’s Superior Performance”
By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Federal Government has approved a $1.5 billion contract for the maintenance dredging of the Lekki Deep Seaport channel from its present 16.5 meters to 17 meters in the first instance, and ultimately targeting 19-meter depth for the channel.
This development is expected to further enhance the port’s efficiency and competitiveness.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, commended Lekki Port for its superior performance and growing transshipment volumes.
Dr.Dantsoho, made this commendation during a performance enhancement visit to Lekki Port on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Dr. Dantsoho was accompanied by senior management staff of the Authority.
The NPA MD noted that Lekki Port’s capacity to berth super post-panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness.
He stated that the port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
The NPA MD also highlighted the importance of automation and technology deployment in modern port operations.
He noted that Lekki Port is up to date with the latest technologies and that this will facilitate the deployment of the Port Community System, a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.
On the request for a reduction in ship dues, the Dr. Dantsoho explained that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are paid for in dollars. He noted that while it is necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to government, the Authority needs to have more money to buy more equipment and ensure that personnel are well paid.
The NPA MD commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remains unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential. He noted that the Authority is committed to working with Lekki Port to ensure that the port continues to grow and increase its throughput volumes.
During the visit, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD. These included an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, and provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time.
A highpoint of the event was a visit by the NPA MD to the $19.5 billion Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, where he held talks with President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote. This visit underscores the growing importance of the Lekki Port and its potential to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria.
