By Aisha Cole

The Federal Government has approved maintenance dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport channel from 16.5 metres to 17 metres, targeting 19 metres eventually.

Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this through Mr Okechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Communication and Strategy, after a weekend visit.

Dantsoho encouraged the Lekki Port Management to strengthen transshipment operations to support neighbouring landlocked countries.

He said the increase in cargo throughput at the port was highly encouraging and showed great potential for further growth.

Lekki’s ability to berth super post-Panamax vessels significantly improves cargo and vessel turnaround times, boosting Nigeria’s export competitiveness under Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The port’s efficiency supports growing transshipment volumes and helps neighbouring countries meet maritime demands while enhancing NPA’s scale-efficiency objectives.

This rising competitiveness encourages higher demand, strengthens forex inflows, and improves Nigeria’s annual trade surplus.

Dantsoho expressed hope that the port’s export volumes would soon double or even triple, supporting national economic targets.

He reaffirmed the NPA’s and Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining this throughput growth and supporting port operations.

Dantsoho added that Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had approved dredging based on NPA’s recommendation.

He said NPA signed a strategic partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to execute dredging for trade facilitation.

The government also seeks to deepen ties with CHEC and strengthen cooperation to expand Nigeria’s trade volumes through Lekki Port.

Dantsoho described Lekki Port as Nigeria’s newest, and expected it to embody all features of a modern, world-class port facility.

He acknowledged the port’s readiness for a port community system, a key requirement for integrating into the National Single Window.

Dantsoho stressed the need for full technology deployment across all ports and terminals to enhance operational efficiency.

He stated that a channel survey contract had been awarded to meet international navigation and port standards.

This, he said, would improve channel management around Lekki Port and support operational optimisation.

Dantsoho noted that many port efficiency tools — including Navigational Buoys and Tug Boats—are dollar-priced and must be continually procured.

He emphasised the need for more revenue to purchase such equipment and ensure competitive salaries for operating personnel.

“Once the Single Window system is fully deployed, with 95 per cent paperless processes, port revenues are expected to triple.

“Electronic transactions will eliminate unofficial payments, making port operations more transparent and efficient,” he said.

At that stage, Dantsoho said, NPA could consider reducing Ship Dues to support shipping businesses.

He praised Lekki Deep Seaport for maintaining excellent performance and pledged continued support to maximise its potential.

Earlier, Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, submitted policy support requests to the NPA leadership.

He called for tariff adjustments to reflect service costs and inflation, and lower ship dues for large vessels and feeders.

Qiang also requested night pilotage services to enable 24/7 operations and improve turnaround time for vessels.

During his visit, Dantsoho also toured the $19.5 billion Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery facility. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo