Lekki Port starts Green Channel to accelerate cargo clearance

Lekki Deep Seaport has commenced the operations of the Green Channel to accelerate Free Zone cargo clearance and enhance trade efficiency at Lekki Port.

The Green Channel, approved by the Nigeria Customs Service, is a dedicated, customs-controlled logistics framework that enables faster processing and movement of cargo from vessel discharge through an expedited clearance system under full customs supervision. The initiative significantly reduces cargo turnaround time while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.

The Green Channel was official commissioned by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in Lagos on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Managing Director, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, represented by the Chief Commercial Officer, Yi Chengwei, described the development as a major milestone in the port’s commitment to operational excellence and trade facilitation.

Qiang noted that the initiative will particularly benefit manufacturers, exporters, and businesses serving time-sensitive regional and international markets, adding that the streamlined process eliminates traditional bottlenecks while creating a more competitive trading environment for Nigeria.

“The operationalisation of the Green Channel reinforces Lekki Port’s position as a next-generation deep sea port built to global standards. By collaborating closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Lagos Free Zone, we are ensuring that cargo clearance timelines are reduced from the conventional 24–48 hours to mere hours, with reconciliation completed seamlessly under customs supervision. This translates to lower logistics costs, reduced dwell time, and improved supply chain predictability for port users,” he said.

In his remark, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended the initiative, describing it as consistent with the service’s broader trade facilitation and modernisation agenda.

Adeniyi stated that the initiative supports ongoing efforts to modernise customs processes and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to enabling legitimate trade while ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards. The Green Channel at Lekki Port demonstrates how strategic collaboration and innovation can enhance cargo clearance efficiency, reduce the cost of doing business, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a leading maritime hub in West Africa,” he added

Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that was awarded the Concession Agreement for the development and operations of the Lekki Deep Sea Port by the Nigerian Ports Authority. LPLEL is required to develop, build, and operate a common user multipurpose port. The company sub-concessioned the container terminal operations to Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), a subsidiary of CMA/CGM, the world’s largest container shipping company.