By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
When eight Nigerian journalists, including this reporter, visited the Lekki Deep Seaport on November 4, 2025, it was immediately clear that the project stands as one of the most transformative infrastructure developments in the nation’s history.
Rising from over 90 hectares of land within the Lagos Free Zone, the $1.5 billion facility has redefined Nigeria’s maritime landscape and positioned Lagos as West Africa’s emerging logistics hub.
The Lekki Deep Seaport, constructed by China Harbour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise (CHELE), a subsidiary of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), is jointly owned by CHEC, Tolaram Group, the Lagos State Government, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Operating under a 45-year concession agreement with the Federal and Lagos State Government through the Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model, the port is managed by Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited. After the concession period, ownership will revert to the NPA, ensuring long-term national benefit.
Guided by Yang Xixiong, Chief Operations Officer of the port, our team toured the state-of-the-art facility; a port designed for speed, safety, and sustainability. The terminal, operated by Lekki Freeport Terminal, features over 15,000 container ground slots, ship-to-shore cranes, and rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
Yang stated that the port can berth vessels up to 400 meters in length and handle 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), thanks to its 16.5-meter depth, the deepest in West Africa.
“With our advanced facilities, fast cargo evacuation, and strategic location in a free zone, Lekki Port is the most economical and efficient option for businesses across Africa.
“Cargo inspection and clearance have been optimised through automation. Two FS 6000 scanners, biometric kiosks, optical character recognition portals, and a modern Truck Vehicle Booking System (VBS) guarantee seamless traffic flow and efficiency. Container dwell time now averages 12 to 13 days, while truck turnaround is just 45 minutes,” he said.
Yang also revealed that 98 per cent of the port’s 760 staff are Nigerians, underscoring a strong local content policy.
During a stakeholders meeting that followed, a representative from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Port Manager Emmanuel Anda, praised the facility as “the best in Nigeria and Africa.” He assured that the NPA would continue to support the management in achieving its ambition of making Lekki Port a transhipment hub for the region.
“We are also working with federal and state authorities to enhance road access and inland connectivity,” he added.
For the host community, the project has been a source of pride and opportunity. Adesanya Adeshina, a community representative, commended the management’s corporate social responsibility efforts, including road construction, job creation, vocational training, scholarships, and educational support. He urged the port’s management to continue supporting the host community for the mutual benefit of all.
Beyond the infrastructure, the economic promise of Lekki Port is immense. Over its 45-year concession period, it is projected to generate $361 billion in GDP growth, create 170,000 jobs, and deliver $158 billion in direct and indirect business revenue.
With its deep waters, cutting-edge equipment, and growing inland transport network, the port has already enhanced cargo turnover efficiency, lowered logistical costs, and strengthened Nigeria’s position as a major trade hub.
As we stood on the quay watching a massive container vessel berth with mechanical precision, it was clear: Lekki Deep Seaport is more than infrastructure. It is a catalyst for industrial growth, a boost to international trade, and a symbol of what strategic partnerships can achieve.
