Lagos, Nigeria – July 4, 2025 — The Federal Government has officially approved the comprehensive reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos as part of strategic efforts to boost operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
The announcement was made following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where key stakeholders endorsed the move to overhaul the ageing infrastructure at the two major seaports, which handle a significant percentage of the nation’s import and export cargo.
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the rehabilitation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s port infrastructure, reducing cargo congestion, and ensuring faster turnaround times for vessels and cargo handling.
“This reconstruction is a critical intervention to restore and upgrade the Apapa and Tin Can Ports to world-class standards,” the Minister said. “It will position Nigeria as a more attractive hub for maritime business in West Africa.”
The project is expected to include berth rehabilitation, road and quay reconstruction, modern cargo-handling facilities, and enhanced digital operations to improve service delivery and minimize revenue loss.
Stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors have lauded the approval, calling it a timely move that could potentially reverse years of port inefficiencies, reduce demurrage costs, and facilitate smoother business operations.
Construction work is expected to commence later this year, with strict timelines and performance benchmarks set to ensure timely delivery.
