ITB Nigeria, a construction company owned by Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury, is set to execute the renovation of Lagos’ Tin Can and Apapa Ports. The £746 million project, financed through a UK Export Finance agreement, was formalized during a recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London.
The refurbishment aims to modernize port infrastructure, including dredging channels to accommodate larger vessels and upgrading berths, quay walls, and common facilities. The federal government defended the deal as a strategic investment to accelerate port efficiency and competitiveness, highlighting that terminal operators remain responsible for cargo operations while the government handles core infrastructure improvements.
However, the Lagos-focused project has attracted criticism for deepening regional infrastructural imbalances. Experts and maritime stakeholders argue that other Nigerian ports—such as Onne, Warri, Calabar, and Port Harcourt—remain underutilized and neglected, with inadequate infrastructure and limited connectivity to major economic hubs. Critics warn that concentrating resources in Lagos could worsen congestion, raise import and export costs, and affect foreign exchange stability.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council alleged the deal reflects marginalization of the South-East, pointing to neglected seaports in Igbo-dominated areas. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the arrangement as disproportionately benefiting the UK while saddling Nigeria with debt, calling for transparency regarding repayment terms, local content, job creation, and timelines.
The federal government, through its advisers, emphasized that the financing allows for comprehensive upgrades that cannot be achieved solely through internally generated port revenues. Officials stated that dredging and other improvements are not limited to Lagos ports and highlighted the benefits of faster cargo handling, reduced vessel turnaround, and modernized port operations across the country.
