The management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), and the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) have launched the services of three additional shipping lines at the Lekki Deep Seaport to boost cargo volumes and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to the zone, benefiting the Nigerian economy .
The shipping lines, including COSCO, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and ZIM Alliance, aimed to enhance the nation’s maritime sector and international trade.
Speaking at the arrival of the largest COSCO vessel, named E A Centaurus, with an overall length of 277 metres and a container handling capacity of 7,000 TEU at Lekki Deep Port, the Chief Executive Officer of LFZ, Adesuwa Ladoja, stated that the launch of these shipping line services is expected to attract more FDI to the zone.
Ladoja emphasised that the shipping lines now calling at the port provide more options for customers, giving them access to the state-of-the-art facilities at Lekki Port.
This development, she noted, would support the growth of enterprises within the free zone and the broader Lekki economic axis.
She explained that businesses can now import raw materials via any of the shipping lines and directly transport them into factories for production, as well as export finished goods to other parts of Africa and the world.
The Chief Executive Officer of LFT, Christophe Cassang, described the introduction of the shipping line services as a crucial milestone in the terminal’s development and capacity expansion.
He added that the service demonstrates the company’s commitment to make Nigeria the leading maritime hub in West Africa.
Cassang highlighted that through strategic partnerships with global shipping leaders, the terminal is strengthening its position on the international stage and opening new opportunities for trade and industry in Nigeria and the region.
The Managing Director of Lekki Port, Du Ruogang, referred to the launch of the new shipping line services as a testament to the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s maritime future.
Ruogang stated that with the bi-weekly calls from the consortium, the port management is realising its vision of handling significant cargo volumes and further positioning Lekki Port to enhance the Nigerian maritime sector and improve business efficiency across the country.
Representatives from COSCO, ONE, and ZIM shipping lines expressed their excitement about partnering with Lekki Port, the freeport terminal and the free zone.
They also expressed satisfaction with the world-class infrastructure and facilities available at the port.
