Connect with us

Headlines

NPA shops for investors to drive deep seaports project of federal government 

– says Lekki ports responsible for rising GRT for ocean- going vessels at Nigerian ports.
Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has come out to confess that the rising Gross Registered Tonnage(GRT) for the ocean – going vessels recently being witnessed at the Nigerian ports is being driven by the Lekki Deep seaport.
Making this disclosure was the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic communications, NPA, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara while playing host to the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) which was on a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.
While reviewing the infrastructural upgrade and the modernisation project at the nation’s sea port, Onyemakara disclosed that the upsurge in cargo throughputs and increased vessels gross registered tonnage at the Nigerian ports are being driven by the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
He disclosed that the modern trend in shipping has shifted to large vessels which go to ports of deep draught, an attribute which he said the Lekki Deep Sea Port has.
” If  we check our operational statistics, Lekki port is pulling weight more than the others.
“The Port is the one giving us the numbers as far as I’m concerned because of its deep draught” the NPA chief spokesman declared.
It could be recalled that the NPA recently released the Qi 2026 report in which it declared an upsurge in cargo throughputs and higher GRT for vessels that called at the Nigerian Ports during the period under review.
‎According to the report , Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth during the period  with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.
The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.
Onyemakara said that was the reason the government is investing heavily in deep seaports project because that is the focus of international shipping which relies  on jumbo vessels for carriage of goods.
“We are the biggest economy. The population is here. The market is here” the NPA image maker enthused.
” So when you have all these things and you have an effective and efficient port system, which will come from the modernization of our ports, we can be sure that it will not be difficult for the whole of our ports in Nigeria to do a transshipment.”
He explained that the current infrastructural upgrade and modernisation project of the NPA is meant to position Nigerian ports as the hub of maritime activities in the sub- regional African.
“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time.
“What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.
Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.
“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.
“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.
Onyemakara further explained that the Federal government is very serious in development of its deep seaports in Nigeria.
According to him, the proposed deep seaports at Badagry in Lagos state, Bakassi deep seaport, Ibom deep seaports, Ibaka deep seaports and Olokola deep seaports have all been approved by the Federal government for development by private sector.
” In view of what is happening. We have created an environment where private investors will come and invest.
“At Lekki port, you know the people that brought money for it.
“Yes. So, every other deep sea ports, what we have done is to regulate all that is needed for those ports to be situated”
Onyemakara said with the government efforts at  creating an enabling environment, what is required of the private sector is to move into these areas to develop them.
“Private sector, go and bring money.
” We are just waiting for investors. It’s there.
“At the end of the day, bring the money now ,that is the issue.
” And what government is looking for is private people coming to partner with government. So, anybody that is ready to
bring his funds privately” he noted.
The Nigerian government is heavily investing in deep sea port projects via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to decongest existing Lagos ports and boost maritime trade.
The major projects include the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port, the upcoming $4.2b Ibom Deep Seaport, the $3.5B Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Badagry Deep Sea Port, designed to handle large vessels.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port is fully operational since 2023 and serves as a major hub with a 16.5m depth, handling containers and bulk cargo to relieve Apapa and Tincan Island ports.
Ibom Deep Seaport ($4.2 Billion) is  located in Akwa Ibom, this project features a natural 17.5m depth.
It aims to be the largest container terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 9 million TEUs annually.
Bakassi Deep Seaport ($2.27B – $3.5B) is  located in Cross River State.
This project received federal certification in late 2025 and is aimed at improving access to Nigeria’s North-Central/East regions.
Badagry Deep Sea Port with $53B Projected Revenue is a Federal Executive Council-approved project designed to be a multi-purpose facility, including container, liquid, and dry bulk terminals.
Ondo Multipurpose Deep Seaport is a $1.3 Billion project aimed at handling various cargo types, supported by a 30,000-hectare industrial city.
Dangote Deep Sea Port Ogun State is a major private-sector initiative aimed at complementing the Dangote Refinery.

.

‎
.
.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Features

Beyond Lagos ports: Why NPA should position Eastern ports for global recognition

Chief Nasiru Ibrahim

Monday Discourse with Ibrahim Nasiru focuses on why government should look beyond Lagos ports and position Eastern ports for global recognition.

Our feature last week on the World Bank Top 20 ranking for Tin Can and Apapa Ports sparked an intense industry debate.

The biggest question raised: What about the rest of Nigeria’s coastlines?

Dropping tomorrow morning, June 29th, 2026,we go beyond the Lagos headlines to break down the hidden operational realities of Nigeria’s Eastern Ports.

Don’t miss “Beyond Lagos: The Untold Realities of Nigeria’s Eastern Corridor Seaports”

Continue Reading

Headlines

NIMASA unveils digital portal to fast track Seafarers’ discharge book processing

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified its digital transformation drive with the launch of an electronic Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a platform designed to eliminate bureaucratic delays and automate the application, verification and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.

The portal was unveiled on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 in Lagos as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk.”

The initiative is expected to improve service delivery, strengthen the integrity of seafarers’ documentation and boost the international competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through a fully digital certification process.

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a major milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda.

“As we celebrate the men and women who keep global trade moving, it is imperative that we also provide them with efficient and secure systems that support their professional development.

“The Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal eliminates unnecessary bottlenecks, strengthens the integrity of our certification process and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He explained that the portal provides a seamless end-to-end digital process beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

After successful authentication, applicants create accounts, verify their email addresses through a One-Time Password (OTP), complete live facial capture for identity confirmation and upload mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates and other required credentials.

According to the Director-General, every application is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant submissions or returns rejected applications with clear reasons for correction, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Upon approval of all required documents, applicants can apply for a new, replacement or temporary Seafarer’s Discharge Book, make payment through the integrated online platform and receive an automatically generated unique Seafarer Discharge Book serial number after successful processing.
Mobereola said the fully automated system would significantly reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and enhance the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.
“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards.
“This platform is another demonstration of our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry,” he added.
The launch of the portal reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardisation, digital governance and efficient regulatory service delivery in line with global best practices.

Continue Reading

Customs

Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026,  Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

Continue Reading

Trending