The Lagos State Government has announced that construction of Lekki Port Phase 2 will commence soon as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed the development during the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 held in Lagos earlier this week. He said the expansion reflects the state’s commitment to developing critical infrastructure and attracting long-term investment into key sectors of the economy. According to the governor, the next stage of development will increase cargo-handling capacity, improve maritime trade operations and reinforce Lagos’ role as a strategic gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is uniquely positioned to benefit from growing regional trade opportunities created by AfCFTA, which has established a market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product exceeding $3 trillion. He explained that the rapid growth of the Lekki Deep Sea Port has necessitated plans for further expansion.
“With AfCFTA creating a market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, Lagos occupies a uniquely strategic position,” the governor said.
“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. 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 noted that Lekki Port Phase 2 is one of several infrastructure projects aimed at supporting economic growth and improving the state’s competitiveness as a commercial destination.
Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, praised the Lagos State Government for creating what he described as a stable and investment-friendly environment that supports long-term business growth.
He said the planned expansion would significantly improve operational efficiency and logistics performance along the Lekki corridor. According to Qiang, the next phase of development will strengthen the port’s ability to handle growing cargo volumes while attracting additional investments from global shipping and logistics companies.
Qiang explained that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader trade facilitation objectives and the increasing demands of regional and international shipping networks. “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.
“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.
The planned commencement of Lekki Port Phase 2 marks a major step in Lagos State’s efforts to expand maritime infrastructure and strengthen regional trade connectivity. Government officials and port operators say the project will enhance cargo-handling capacity, improve logistics efficiency and support Nigeria’s growing participation in continental and global trade networks.
