Lekki Port taps Chinese expertise in regional maritime rivalry

Lekki Port is sending staff to China for advanced training on port systems and logistics operations, betting that imported expertise will help it compete in West Africa’s increasingly crowded maritime market.

The Nigerian port partnered with Beijing’s consulate to dispatch selected personnel for exposure to cutting-edge technologies and operational practices used in top-tier maritime hubs.

Wang Qiang, the port’s managing director, said the initiative was part of a strategy to combine physical infrastructure with skilled labour.

“At Lekki Port, collaboration is at the core of our business model, and cultural exchange is a key part of that commitment.” he said at a knowledge-sharing session.

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The training comes as port operators across Nigeria and West Africa face mounting pressure to cut handling times and reduce cargo delays. Improvements to infrastructure alone have proved insufficient for operators seeking to capture a larger share of regional trade flows.

Chinese ports are global leaders in automation, efficiency, green tech, and systems integration. Its 52 automated container terminals integrate 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and satellite navigation, with over 80 percent of large equipment automated at major hubs.

Yan Yuqing, China’s consul general in Nigeria, framed the programme within Beijing’s broader engagement with African nations noting that the training reinforced China’s emphasis on “talent development” and capacity building as pillars of bilateral cooperation.

Mattew Oloyede, a participant, said the knowledge gained will be applied to improve processes, strengthen teamwork, and support Lekki Port’s ambition to remain a leading maritime hub in Africa.