Terminal operators have stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to capture a larger share of booming East-West Africa trade, driven by increasing commercial flows between the continent’s eastern and western corridors. The expansion of regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area is creating new opportunities for ports that can offer efficient cargo handling, competitive tariffs, and reliable turnaround times.
Operators point to recent investments in terminal infrastructure at Apapa, Tin-Can Island, and Lekki ports as evidence of the private sector’s confidence in Nigeria’s maritime potential. However, they caution that realising this potential requires sustained improvements in road access, customs clearance efficiency, and rail connectivity to hinterland markets. Ports in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo have already captured significant market share by offering these advantages, and Nigeria must close the gap to compete effectively.
The shift toward regional trade under AfCFTA is expected to increase the volume of manufactured goods, agricultural products, and industrial inputs moving between East and West Africa. Nigerian ports, strategically located along major shipping routes, could become preferred entry and exit points for this trade. Terminal operators are calling for policy coordination between the federal government, state authorities, and port regulators to create a seamless logistics environment.
