Port rehabilitation won’t disrupt cargo operations, NPA assures terminal operators

Port terminal operators have been assured by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) a seamless cargo handling operation and no disruption to their business during the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

The Federal Government had announced that the Lagos ports rehabilitation will begin in Q2 2026, with completion expected in 48 months.

The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the rehabilitation will be carried out in batches to ensure cargo discharge at all terminals continues uninterrupted.

According to Onyemekara in statement in Lagos, “Rehabilitating our ports is a bold step by the Federal Government. We need to appreciate the Government and support the effort.

“If Nigeria is to lead in maritime trade, it is critical that our ports are modernised and capable of receiving larger, modern vessels.”

“Some ports in West and Central Africa are already receiving larger vessels because they have modernised facilities. Most cargoes destined for other countries end up in Nigeria due to our population.”

He urged stakeholders to support the government in achieving seamless operations during the rehabilitation, which is scheduled to commence before the end of Q2 2026.

Onyemekara stressed that the rehabilitation will not disrupt operations. Once a berthing area is designated for reconstruction, it will be completed quickly before work begins on the next one.

He said the segmented approach will sustain seamless cargo discharge and ensure continued revenue generation for the government.

It would be recalled that in March, Nigeria and the UK sealed a 746 million pounds export finance deal to support the redevelopment of two major ports in Lagos.

Under the deal, UK Export Finance (UKEF) will guarantee loans for the refurbishment of the Apapa and Tin Can Island port complexes

As part of the agreement, British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel for the port projects under a contract valued at 70 million pounds.

The deal is expected to generate 236 million pounds in supplier contracts for British companies, as at least 20 per cent of project components must be sourced from the UK.