Posted on May 21, 2026
By Efe Onodjae
Nigerian and other countries in West and Central Africa have committed over $27 billion to port infrastructure expansion projects aimed at strengthening regional trade integration, improving maritime logistics and driving economic growth across the sub-region.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this yesterday during the opening of the Mid-Year Session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, in Lagos.
Dantsoho who is also the President of the Association, said the investments reflected growing confidence in the strategic importance of ports as driver of trade and economic development in West and Central Africa.
He listed some of the major projects to include the $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire and the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
According to him, port expansion and modernisation projects are also ongoing in Ghana and Senegal, while Nigeria continues to attract fresh investments into the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Speaking at the conference themed: “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development,” the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding port infrastructure and modernising operations to position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
Oyetola said the Federal Government had approved the development of additional deep seaports and was implementing reforms targeted at enhancing efficiency, trade facilitation and competitiveness within the maritime sector.
The minister also reiterated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and improved security across Nigerian waters.
