Port of the Future: Lekki Targets 500,000 TEUs as Transshipment Surge Begins

The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport is rapidly positioning Nigeria as a dominant maritime hub for West and Central Africa, with expanded international transshipment routes now reaching Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Abidjan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to NIVONEWS, during a recent media tour of the Lagos-based port, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Daniel Odibe, revealed that Lekki Port is targeting a throughput of 500,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) by the end of 2025—an ambitious rise from the 287,000 TEUs handled in 2024.

Although the port is still operating below its installed capacity of 1.2 million TEUs, Odibe explained that current utilization stands at just 20 percent, largely due to macroeconomic headwinds, including fuel subsidy removal and the depreciation of the Naira, which have affected import volumes.

However, there are signs of recovery. According to NIVONEWS, Odibe stated that the port processed 222,000 TEUs in the first half of 2025 alone, adding that cargo volumes are gradually picking up, the Naira is stabilizing, and transshipment to landlocked and neighboring countries has grown significantly.

He noted that Lekki Port now receives 10 to 12 vessels monthly, with regional transshipment services expanding steadily. “Our international transshipment footprint now includes Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Abidjan,” he said. Operational benchmarks are also improving, with vessel turnaround averaging 48 hours, truck turnaround at one hour and 25 minutes, and cargo dwell time at 16 days.

According to NIVONEWS, the port’s Managing Director, Mr. Wang Qiang—represented by Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Young Qiang—affirmed Lekki Port’s unrelenting commitment to international best practices. “We are setting new standards as West Africa’s deepest seaport. The results of our innovation and efficiency are evident in the transformational impact we’re making on Africa’s maritime trade,” he said, emphasizing the port’s role in driving regional integration and economic growth through cutting-edge logistics and infrastructure.

”NIVONEWS REPORTS”