Lekki Port begins transhipment to Ghana, Togo, Abidjan

...Handles 20% of projected cargo

By Seun Ibiyemi

Lekki Deep Seaport, Nigeria’s first deep-sea port, has commenced full-scale transhipment operations to key ports in neighbouring West African countries, including Ghana, Togo, and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s maritime development.

Speaking during a media parley on Thursday, the port’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr Daniel Odibe, disclosed that Lekki Port has also conducted a trial transhipment within Nigeria to Onne Port, with plans to expand local transhipment services.

“We had our first transhipment operations in 2023, the first ever in Nigeria’s economic history,” Odibe said. “Before now, countries such as Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire served as transhipment hubs for Nigerian-bound cargo. This meant more time and higher costs for Nigerian importers, due to double handling in foreign ports. But with Lekki Port’s operations, that narrative has changed in our favour.”

He revealed that Lekki Port is now undertaking international transhipment to West African destinations including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Togo, and Cotonou, with ambitions to extend these services across the African continent.

Odibe further explained that domestic transhipment remains a key focus for the port, particularly for locations with shallow drafts where foreign vessels are unable to dock directly.

“Ports like Warri, Calabar, Onne, and inland ports like Onitsha and Burutu are difficult to access for many vessels. The plan is to use Lekki Port as a hub to distribute cargo to these areas, which will unlock economic opportunities,” he said.

Reflecting on the domestic trial run with Onne Port last year, he admitted there were challenges but described the experience as instructive, adding that discussions are ongoing to resume the initiative in partnership with shipping lines and logistics operators.

On cargo volumes, Odibe reported that Lekki Port processed 222,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) between January and June 2025. This is a significant increase from the 54,289 TEUs recorded in 2023 when operations began.

“We currently handle between 10 and 12 vessels monthly. Volumes initially dropped due to the depreciation of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidy, which affected our projections. However, as the naira begins to stabilise, we are recovering,” he noted, adding that the port is targeting 500,000 TEUs by the end of the year.

He also revealed performance metrics, stating that vessel turnaround time is currently 48 hours, while truck turnaround stands at 1 hour and 25 minutes, and cargo dwell time is 16 days.

Also speaking at the event, Lekki Port Chief Operating Officer, Mr Yang Xixiong, reiterated the port’s commitment to international standards and operational excellence.

“We are committed to raising the bar and maintaining our position as West Africa’s deepest sea port,” he said. “Our investments in technology and efficiency are driving regional trade and cementing Lekki Port’s place on Africa’s maritime map.”

The latest transhipment milestone positions Lekki Port as a game-changer in the region’s logistics network and a strategic hub for intra-African trade.