Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that development work on Phase 2 of the Lekki Deep Sea Port will commence soon, as part of efforts to strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s leading maritime and logistics hub.
The governor made the announcement at the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 held on Tuesday, where he outlined ongoing infrastructure investments designed to boost regional trade, attract investment, and accelerate economic growth.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the rapid development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port has necessitated its expansion, with the facility already approaching the limits of its installed capacity within just a few years of operation.
“With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating a market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, Lagos occupies a uniquely strategic position,” the governor said.
“The Lekki Deep Sea Port, within five years, is moving to phase two because it is almost reaching the full potential of its installed capacity. And just within five years, it is moving to phase two,” he added.
He noted that the expansion project is part of a broader infrastructure development agenda being implemented across Lagos State, with several projects already underway and funded to support long-term economic transformation.
“These are not just aspirations but projects that have been implemented and are under implementation. They have been funded, progressing, and transforming the investment landscape of our State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor explained that Phase 2 of the Lekki Deep Sea Port will significantly increase cargo-handling capacity, improve trade efficiency, and further position Lagos as a key gateway for African and global commerce under the AfCFTA framework.
Also speaking at the summit, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, commended the Lagos State Government for maintaining a stable and investment-friendly environment that continues to attract long-term private sector participation.
“We are deeply encouraged by the continued support of the Lagos State Government, whose infrastructure-led policies have created a stable and forward-looking environment for long-term maritime investment,” Qiang said.
He described the planned expansion as a major milestone in the development of the port, noting that it would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen its role as a premier trade gateway in West Africa.
“The commencement of the next phase of development represents a significant milestone in our journey to expand capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen Lekki Port’s position as a premier gateway for West African trade under the AfCFTA framework,” he added.
Qiang further noted that the expansion is expected to improve logistics along the Lekki corridor, attract additional international shipping lines, and boost private sector investment in the maritime and logistics ecosystem.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s broader trade facilitation strategy and is expected to enhance regional connectivity, support import and export activities, and reinforce Lagos’ status as a major commercial hub on the African continent.
