Nigeria and other nations pledge $27 billion for major upgrades to port facilities, according to PMAWCA.

Nigerian and other countries in West and Central Africa have pledged over $27 billion for port infrastructure expansion projects, aiming to bolster regional trade integration and stimulate economic growth across the sub-region by improving maritime logistics.

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This significant investment was revealed by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, during the Mid-Year Session of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Lagos, where he emphasized the strategic importance of ports in driving trade and economic development.

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According to Dantsoho, who also serves as President of the Association, the investments underscore growing confidence in the region's ports, with notable projects including the $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire, and the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

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Additionally, port expansion and modernisation projects are currently underway in Ghana and Senegal, while Nigeria continues to attract new investments into the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, further solidifying its position in the region.

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At the conference, themed “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development,” Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to expanding port infrastructure and modernising operations to establish the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

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Oyetola announced that the Federal Government has approved the development of additional deep seaports and is implementing reforms to enhance efficiency, trade facilitation, and competitiveness within the maritime sector, underscoring the administration's dedication to the industry's growth.

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The minister also reiterated the government's commitment to infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and improved security across Nigerian waters, highlighting the administration's multifaceted approach to supporting the maritime sector.