The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reassured stakeholders that activities at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos will continue smoothly despite the planned rehabilitation of the facilities.This assurance was given by Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager of Corporate Communication and Strategy at the NPA, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.
According to reports, the Federal Government has scheduled the port rehabilitation to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with the entire project expected to last about four years. The development follows a major agreement reached in March between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, involving a £746 million export finance deal aimed at upgrading the two major Lagos ports.Under the arrangement, UK Export Finance will provide guarantees for loans used in refurbishing the Apapa and Tin Can Island port complexes. In addition, British Steel is expected to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel valued at £70 million for the project. The agreement is also projected to generate up to £236 million in contracts for British firms, as at least 20 percent of the project materials must come from the UK.
Speaking on the execution plan, Onyemekara explained that the rehabilitation will be carried out in phases to avoid interrupting port operations. “Rehabilitating our ports is a bold step by the Federal Government. We need to appreciate the Government and support the effort,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of modernising Nigeria’s ports to remain competitive in global maritime trade. “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,” Onyemekara added.
He further called on stakeholders to cooperate with authorities to ensure a smooth process, noting that work will be done in sections. Once a specific berthing area is selected for repairs, it will be completed quickly before moving to the next. According to him, this phased approach will maintain steady cargo handling and ensure that government revenue continues to flow throughout the rehabilitation period.
