Ports rehabilitation: NPA assures stakeholders of seamless operation

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has assured stakeholders of seamless operation and no disruption during the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

The NPA General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy Unit of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, gave the assurance during an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the Federal Government announced the Lagos ports rehabilitation will begin in Q2 2026, with completion expected in 48 months.

In March, Nigeria and the UK sealed a 746 million pounds export finance deal to support the redevelopment of two major ports in Lagos.

Under the deal, UK Export Finance (UKEF) will guarantee loans for the refurbishment of the Apapa and Tin Can Island port complexes.

As part of the agreement, British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel for the port projects under a contract valued at 70 million pounds.

The deal is expected to generate 236 million pounds in supplier contracts for British companies, as at least 20 percent of project components must be sourced from the UK.

According to Onyemekara, the rehabilitation will be carried out in batches to ensure cargo discharge at all terminals continues uninterrupted.

“Rehabilitating our ports is a bold step by the Federal Government. We need to appreciate the Government and support the effort,” he said.

“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 urged stakeholders to support the government to achieve seamless operations during the rehabilitation, which is scheduled to commence before the end of Q2 2026.

Onyemekara stressed that the rehabilitation will not disrupt operations. Once a berthing area is designated for reconstruction, it will be completed quickly before work begins on the next.

He said the segmented approach will sustain seamless cargo discharge and ensure continued revenue generation for the government.