West and Central African countries, including Nigeria, have committed more than $27 billion to major port infrastructure expansion projects aimed at improving regional trade integration, strengthening maritime logistics and accelerating economic growth across the sub region.
The disclosure was made by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, during the opening session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa meeting held in Lagos.
Dantsoho, who also serves as President of the association, said the scale of investment reflects growing confidence in the importance of ports as key drivers of trade, connectivity and economic development across the region.
He highlighted several major projects contributing to the investment drive, including the $20 billion Simandou Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria’s $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
He added that similar expansion and modernisation projects are ongoing in Ghana and Senegal, while Nigeria continues to attract additional investments into key facilities such as the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Speaking at the conference themed Ports of the Future Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding and modernising its port infrastructure.
Oyetola said the Federal Government has approved plans for additional deep seaports and is implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, boosting trade facilitation and enhancing competitiveness in the maritime sector.
He also emphasised ongoing efforts by the government to upgrade port infrastructure, introduce digital systems and strengthen maritime security to support smoother and safer operations across Nigerian waters.
Industry stakeholders believe the massive investments across the sub region could significantly transform trade flows, reduce logistics costs and position West and Central Africa as a stronger player in global maritime commerce.
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