The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, a move aimed at revitalizing the nation’s maritime infrastructure and enhancing economic competitiveness.
The announcement, made on July 4, 2025, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s seaports to meet global standards.
The reconstruction project is expected to address longstanding challenges at the two major ports, including dilapidated infrastructure, congestion, and inefficiencies that have hampered trade and logistics.
Apapa and Tin Can Ports, critical gateways for Nigeria’s import and export activities, handle over 70% of the country’s maritime cargo. However, years of neglect and overuse have led to delays, high operational costs, and reduced competitiveness compared to other African ports.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister Oyetola stated, “The approval for the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Ports is a landmark decision by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This project will not only decongest the ports but also improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times for vessels, and boost Nigeria’s trade capacity in the global market.”
The reconstruction plan includes upgrading port facilities, modernizing cargo handling equipment, deepening access channels, and improving road networks around the ports to ease traffic congestion.
The project also aims to integrate digital technologies for seamless port operations, aligning with international best practices. While the exact cost of the reconstruction was not disclosed, sources indicate that the government is exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund the initiative.
Stakeholders in the maritime sector have welcomed the announcement, with many expressing optimism about its potential to transform Nigeria’s economy.
“This is long overdue,” said Chinedu Okonkwo, a logistics expert based in Lagos.
“Modernizing these ports will reduce the cost of doing business, attract more foreign investment, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians.”
However, some port users have called for transparency in the execution of the project, citing past instances where similar initiatives were stalled by mismanagement.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has assured stakeholders that a robust monitoring framework will be established to ensure timely and quality delivery of the project.
The reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Ports comes on the heels of other government efforts to bolster Nigeria’s maritime sector, including the recent launch of agricultural equipment to enhance food security.
Analysts believe that the port upgrades could position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa, reducing reliance on neighboring countries’ ports for trade.
The timeline for the commencement of the reconstruction was not specified, but the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has promised to release further details, including contractor selection and project milestones, in the coming weeks.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its economic resilience, the revitalization of these key ports is expected to play a pivotal role in driving growth and global competitiveness.
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