The planned modernisation projects of Lagos seaports of Apapa and TinCan receives a boost as the Federal Government is set to sign a financing deal during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to United Kingdom
On the trip this week, President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports modernisation project in Lagos is a Federal Government investment to upgrade two of the country’s busiest seaports, addressing chronic congestion and outdated infrastructure.
The total approved funding for the projects stands at $1bn (about N1.5tn). Procurement began in October 2025, with implementation expected to start in the Second Quarter of 2026 and ongoing as part of phased nationwide port reforms.
Apapa Tin Can Ports modernisation
Work includes infrastructure rehabilitation, berth expansion, quay wall rehabilitation and channel dredging to 16.5 meters for larger vessels, faster cargo handling, capacity boosts to international standards, and digitisation for a paperless system to cut turnaround times and corruption.
New features encompass technology-driven operations, strengthened quays, and enhanced landside facilities for balanced national development.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had announced that the ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, has commenced a port modernisation program with Apapa and Tincan Island ports as pilot projects.
Oyetola made this announcement in Lagos on Wednesday during the 3rd Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
The event was themed, ‘Prospects for accelerated growth and other matters arising’.
Represented at the event by the Director of Maritime Services of the ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the minister added that the process would ensure the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated port infrastructure for improved vessel and cargo turnaround time.
“The ministry has begun a port modernisation program with Apapa and Tincan Island Ports as pilot projects to ensure the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated port infrastructure for improved vessel and cargo turnaround time,” Oyetola said.
