A cargo ship sailing near Maputo, Mozambique, illustrating industrial activity close to Maputo National Park, which has gained UNESCO status.
Nigeria is making a bold play to dominate West Africa’s trans-shipment scene, with Lekki Port leading the charge. The West African country aims to reclaim cargo traffic from neighbors like Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire after its first deep-sea port resumed operations following major upgrades. The port, armed with modern infrastructure, including deep berths and automated container handling systems, currently operates at 20% capacity. However, it is now ramping up efforts to attract international trans-shipment cargo and boost operations. From January to June 2025, the Lekki Port handled 222,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). It aims to hit 500,000 by year’s end. With regional rivals investing in their ports, Nigeria is banking on efficiency and scale to regain lost ground. The push aligns with AfCFTA’s broader vision for seamless intra-African trade.
Business Insider Africa