By Omolabake Cole
Lagos, July 16, ’25 (TNZ) The Lekki Deepsea Port says the facility is currently handling only about 20 per cent of its projected cargo throughput in spite of an installed capacity of 1.2 million TEUs.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Deputy Managing Director of the port, Mr Daniel Odibe, made this known in an interactive session with newsmen recently in Lagos.
Odibe attributed the shortfall to prevailing economic challenges that had impacted the port’s operations in recent times.
He said the port had initiated efforts to ramp up operations from 54,289 TEUs to 500,000 TEUs by the end of 2025.
Odibe explained that the removal of fuel subsidies, and the depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies had also led to a decline in imports.
The MD, however, noted that cargo volumes were now gradually recovering.
He also explained that transshipment activities to ports in neighbouring and landlocked countries had similarly increased.
“Lekki Port currently receives between ten to 12 vessels every month. The Lekki Port trans-shipment operations have also increased substantially.
“Lekki Port is currently doing international transshipment to Togo, Ghana and Abidjan and some Landlock. We are picking up because the Naira is gradually picking up.
“Volumes fell because of Naira depreciation and removal of subsidy and this caused a setback in our projection.
“As in 2023, when we started operations, we did 54,289 TEUs and as of June of this year, we have done 222,000 and we are projecting 400,000-500,000 TEUs,” TheNewsZenith quotes Odibe as saying.
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He noted that the vessel turn-around time at Lekki Port, currently stands 48 hours, as against one 85 minutes for truck turn-around time, while cargo dwell time is 16 days.
Also, Mr Qiang Wang, the port’s Managing Director, said that Lekki Port would continue to raise the bar to international standards. Chief Operating Officer, (COO), Young Xixiong, represented Wang at the session.
Wang said the port would continue to push the envelope, set the bar higher, to uphold its position as West Africa’s deepest sea port.
“The result of our commitment for world class standards is visible in the gigantic footprints we are putting on the maritime trade in Africa.
“This is by deploying technology, driving operational efficiency, and shaping regional trade.
“Also, we are committed to the development of our host communities. And, the well-being of the inhabitants through our corporate social responsibility which goes beyond donations.
“We are committed to inclusive growth in youth education programmes that enhance literacy and upgrade of school infrastructure.
“the commitment also extends to provision of basic learning materials, tree planting exercises among other noble causes that ensure building a sustainable tomorrow,” Wang said.
He said that the port would continue doing the good job that would unlock more opportunities and deeper collaboration, for the growth of the maritime sector. (TNZ)
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