Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that work on the second phase of the Lekki Deep Sea Port will begin soon, as the state moves to strengthen its position as a major maritime, trade and logistics hub in West Africa.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0, where government officials, investors and business leaders gathered to discuss opportunities for economic growth and investment in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said the decision to commence Phase 2 of the port project was driven by the rapid growth recorded at the facility since it began operations. According to him, the port is already approaching the limits of its installed capacity, making expansion necessary to meet increasing demand.
The governor noted that the development is expected to further boost Lagos’ role as Nigeria’s commercial centre and position the state to take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With the African Continental Free Trade Area creating a market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, Lagos occupies a uniquely strategic position. 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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He explained that the port expansion is part of a wider infrastructure development program being implemented by the Lagos State Government to improve transportation, attract investment and support economic growth.
According to him, several key projects across the state are already underway and are helping to transform the business environment.
“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,” the governor added.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port is one of Nigeria’s biggest maritime infrastructure projects and is located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The port was officially commissioned in 2023 and has since become a major gateway for imports and exports.
Designed to handle some of the world’s largest container vessels, the facility was built to reduce pressure on older ports in Lagos, including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, which have for years struggled with congestion and infrastructure challenges.
The planned Phase 2 expansion is expected to significantly increase cargo-handling capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen the port’s competitiveness within the region.
The development also comes at a time when African countries are working to improve trade among themselves through the AfCFTA agreement. The trade pact seeks to create a single African market by reducing trade barriers and encouraging the movement of goods and services across borders.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is strategically positioned to benefit from the growing regional market because of its location, population and economic importance.
He stressed that the state government would continue investing in critical infrastructure needed to support business activities and attract both local and foreign investors.
Also speaking at the summit, Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, praised the Lagos State Government for creating an environment that encourages long-term private sector investment.
According to him, government support and infrastructure-focused policies have helped provide stability and confidence for investors in the maritime sector.
“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 commencement of Phase 2 as an important stage in the growth of the port and expressed optimism about its future impact on trade and logistics.
“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 said.
Qiang explained that the expansion would improve logistics operations along the Lekki corridor and help accommodate growing cargo traffic.
He added that increased capacity would make the port more attractive to international shipping companies and logistics providers looking to establish or expand operations in the region.
According to him, the project is expected to encourage additional investment in maritime services, transportation and related industries, creating new opportunities for businesses and workers.
The Lekki corridor has in recent years witnessed major infrastructure development, including the Dangote Refinery, petrochemical facilities, industrial parks and residential projects. These investments have transformed the area into one of the country’s fastest-growing economic zones.
Maritime stakeholders have repeatedly called for greater investment in port infrastructure to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness and reduce the cost of doing business. They argue that efficient ports are essential for boosting exports, attracting foreign investment and supporting economic diversification.
The Federal Government has also identified trade facilitation and infrastructure development as key priorities in its efforts to increase non-oil exports and improve economic growth.
With cargo volumes expected to rise in the coming years, industry experts believe the Phase 2 expansion of Lekki Deep Sea Port will help Nigeria meet future shipping demands while reinforcing Lagos’ position as the country’s leading commercial centre.
As preparations begin for the next phase of development, expectations are high that the project will further enhance Nigeria’s maritime capacity, improve trade efficiency and strengthen the country’s role in regional and international commerce.