The Lagos Port Complex at Apapa handles approximately 2 million TEUs annually, representing around 70 percent of Nigeria's total container trade. Congestion at Apapa is legendary: truck queues stretching kilometres into Lagos, average container dwell times of 7 to 10 days, and port access roads that double as impromptu parking lots for thousands of waiting trucks. The economic cost is estimated at over $2 billion annually in logistics inefficiencies. The Eto electronic truck booking system, introduced in 2022, has partially reduced congestion but has not resolved underlying infrastructure constraints.
Lekki Deep Sea Port
The Lekki Deep Sea Port, opened in January 2023 by President Buhari, represents a genuine alternative. Built on a greenfield site 50 kilometres from Lagos, with a 16.5-metre channel depth capable of receiving the world's largest container vessels, it has initial capacity of 2.7 million TEUs with planned expansion to 4.5 million. CMA Terminals operates the facility under a long-term concession. Logistics operators and importers in Nigeria can access port contacts and Lekki operational data on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.