The Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) has announced a substantial $1.1 billion investment for the comprehensive rehabilitation of ports across Nigeria, commencing in the first quarter of 2024.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, shared this plan during a panel session at the 43rd Annual Council Meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa held in Lagos.
Bello-Koko emphasized the need for rehabilitation across most Nigerian ports, and the NPA’s objective is to enhance their physical infrastructure to accommodate vessels of all sizes, increasing the draft at the quayside to achieve depths of up to 14 meters.
This initiative aims to make Nigerian ports more competitive on a global scale.
In addition to rehabilitation efforts, the NPA is forging collaborations with the private sector to establish new seaports.
The Lekki Deep Seaport has already commenced operations, and the Badagry Deep Seaport is set to begin construction early next year after signing an agreement with a Middle Eastern party.
To address challenges related to cargo evacuation by road, the NPA is exploring alternative solutions such as barges and expanding rail infrastructure. Bello-Koko highlighted the completion of a survey for deploying cargo rail and tracks to the Onne port, paving the way for the project to commence next year.
The NPA has also automated its collection system and is working to optimize cargo clearance processes through collaboration with the International Maritime Organization.
Furthermore, the NPA is actively involved in enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea, deploying the deep blue sea project equipped with air and sea assets to reduce piracy incidents within Nigerian waters.
The NPA’s dedication to improving logistics and maritime development is further illustrated by its development of a 25-year port master plan that will guide the location, sizes, and activities of ports, terminals, and jetties in Nigeria, serving as a national working document for all stakeholders in the marine and logistics industry.
