By Abdullahi lukman
The Federal Government has approved maintenance dredging to deepen the Lekki Deep Seaport channel from 16.5 metres to 17 metres, with the aim of reaching 19 metres in the near future.
This was announced by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, following a visit to the port.
Dantsoho urged Lekki Port management to boost transshipment operations, supporting neighbouring landlocked countries.
He highlighted the port’s growing cargo throughput and its capacity to berth super post-Panamax vessels, which improves turnaround times and enhances Nigeria’s export competitiveness under the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The NPA has partnered with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to carry out the dredging, aiming to expand trade volumes through the port.
A channel survey contract has also been awarded to ensure compliance with international navigation standards and optimize port operations.
Dantsoho emphasized the importance of deploying technology fully across ports, including the integration of the port community system into the National Single Window, which will enable 95% paperless processes, reduce unofficial payments, and potentially triple port revenues.
The Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, requested policy support including tariff adjustments, lower ship dues for large vessels, and night pilotage services to facilitate 24/7 operations.
During the visit, Dantsoho also toured the Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, valued at $19.5 billion.