The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said physical work on its long-awaited $1 billion port modernisation project will commence before the end of the third quarter of 2026, as it concludes stakeholder consultations and host community engagements ahead of contractors’ mobilisation to site.
The assurance comes amid concerns in the maritime industry following reports that Nigeria has begun repaying the foreign loan secured for the project, including accrued interest, despite construction work yet to commence.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority is currently wrapping up the final non-construction processes required before contractors begin work.
He explained that stakeholder and community engagements have become critical because of the scale of activities expected once construction begins.
According to him, the engagement is aimed at preparing port users and host communities for the influx of heavy equipment and other construction-related activities.
“We are looking at the end of this quarter. As of now, we are preparing for stakeholder engagement and community engagement ahead of the commencement.
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“You know, when they start, there will be a lot of construction activities—heavy equipment, noise and all that. We want to sensitise the stakeholders and the host communities about what is coming so that everyone understands the scope of the project. But we are looking at the end of the quarterfor them to commence,” he said.
His remarks provide the strongest indication yet that the much-anticipated rehabilitation programme, which has suffered repeated delays, is finally set to move into the implementation phase.
The port modernisation initiative is one of the largest infrastructure renewal projects in Nigeria’s maritime sector and is expected to tackle decades of deteriorating infrastructure at the nation’s major seaports, particularly the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port.
Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism that the project, once completed, will enhance operational efficiency, improve cargo handling capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within the West and Central African sub-region.
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News Credit to our media partner The Nation .
