LAGOS — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has officially announced that development on Phase 2 of the Lekki Deep Sea Port will commence in the near future. The governor made this disclosure on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, during the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0, framing the expansion as a critical step in cementing Lagos’ status as West Africa’s primary maritime and logistics gateway.

Accelerated Expansion Due to High Demand

Governor Sanwo Olu noted that the rapid operational success of the port which became fully functional in early 2023 has exceeded initial projections. Less than five years after its commencement, the facility is already approaching the limits of its current installed capacity, necessitating an immediate move to the next phase of development.

"The Lekki Deep Sea Port, within five years, is moving to Phase 2 because it is almost reaching the full potential of its installed capacity," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. He emphasized that this project is not merely an aspiration but a funded, active infrastructure undertaking integral to the state's broader economic agenda.

Strategic Objectives for AfCFTA

The expansion is strategically aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which connects a market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. Key objectives of the Phase 2 expansion include:

  • Enhanced Cargo Handling: Significantly boosting the port’s total capacity to accommodate higher volumes of containerized, liquid, and dry bulk cargo.

  • Logistics Efficiency: Improving throughput along the Lekki industrial corridor to reduce turnaround times for global shipping lines.

  • Economic Integration: Positioning Lagos as the primary conduit for regional trade, facilitating easier movement of goods between Nigeria and its continental neighbors.

Commitment to Investor Confidence

Wang Qiang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, praised the Lagos State Government for providing a stable and investment-friendly environment. He noted that the Phase 2 development represents a "significant milestone" that will enhance operational efficiency and attract further global maritime and logistics investments.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port, which already features state-of-the-art infrastructure including Super-post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes is widely regarded as one of the most advanced maritime facilities in West Africa. As Phase 2 moves toward commencement, the project is expected to continue creating massive employment opportunities and generating substantial revenue for the Nigerian economy through taxes, levies, and expanded trade activities.