Nigeria, Others Commit $27bn to Port Infrastructure Expansion — PMAWCA

Nigeria and several countries across West and Central Africa have committed more than $27 billion to major port infrastructure expansion projects aimed at improving regional trade, strengthening maritime logistics, and boosting economic growth across the sub-region.

The disclosure was made by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during the opening of the Mid-Year Session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Lagos.

Dantsoho, who also serves as President of PMAWCA, said the huge investments demonstrate increasing confidence in the strategic role of ports as critical drivers of trade and economic development in Africa.

He highlighted several major ongoing projects across the region, including the $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro development in Côte d’Ivoire, and the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

According to him, other countries such as Ghana and Senegal are also carrying out major port modernisation and expansion projects, 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, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding port infrastructure and modernising maritime operations.

Oyetola stated that the Federal Government had already approved the development of additional deep seaports as part of efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.

He explained that ongoing reforms within the sector are focused on improving efficiency, enhancing trade facilitation, increasing competitiveness, and reducing delays in port operations.

The minister also stressed the government’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and stronger security measures across Nigerian waters to support sustainable growth in the maritime industry.

Industry stakeholders at the event noted that improved port infrastructure would significantly boost regional trade integration, reduce logistics costs, attract foreign investment, and create employment opportunities across West and Central Africa.