Lekki Deep Sea Port Sets the Standard for Port Management in Nigeria



The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s most modern maritime gateway, continues to set the benchmark for port operations in the country, following a string of impressive milestones since it began operations in April 2023.

Situated on a 19-hectare site and boasting the deepest draught of all Nigerian ports at minus 16.5 metres, the Lekki Port has been praised for its smart port model and seamless operations. Under the management of Emmanuel Anda, the Port has earned a reputation for efficiency and innovation, quickly becoming a model for port management across West Africa.

By mid-2025, the Port had processed over 220,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo, with projections to exceed 500,000 TEUs by year-end—up from 287,000 TEUs in 2024 and 58,000 TEUs in 2023. One of its most notable feats includes the successful transhipment of more than 40,000 TEUs to various West African countries, solidifying its regional influence.

Participants at the recent Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Freight Forwarders Conference, held on July 23, commended the Port’s operational efficiency. A key highlight is the container scanning process, which takes just 33 seconds per container, thanks to state-of-the-art scanning machines. Vessels now enjoy a turnaround time of just 48 hours, while trucks spend an average of 1 hour 25 minutes within the Port premised, a significant leap from the delays previously common in Nigerian ports.

The physical infrastructure of the Port supports its operational success, featuring a 2-kilometre breakwater ridge to manage harbour waves and a 9.6-kilometre approach channel used by four tugboats to guide massive vessel's . one of which measured 366 metres in length with a capacity of 14,000 TEUs, the largest ever received in Nigerian waters.

Lekki Port’s integrated automation system has also been a game-changer, making port activities faster, safer, and more transparent. Regular port users, especially truck drivers, undergo biometric registration to ensure swift access and reduce cargo dwell time.

 The Lekki
Port Manager.  Emmanuel Anda has earned accolades for his strategic initiatives, including ongoing trials to tranship cargo to Onne Port in Rivers State and a proposed partnership with the Lagos State traffic management system to avoid the gridlock issues that once plagued Apapa Port.

These innovations align with the goals of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who have consistently advocated for world-class standards and efficiency across Nigeria’s port infrastructure.

As the Lekki Deep Sea Port continues to gain traction both locally and internationally, stakeholders believe it is well on its way to becoming the premier maritime hub of West Africa, combining cutting-edge technology, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

“Lekki Port is not just operational; it is exemplary,” remarked one freight forwarder at the LCCI conference,  an endorsement that echoes the sentiments of many across the maritime industry.

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