Nigeria, once the undisputed logistics hub of West Africa, is steadily ceding ground to regional rivals such as Togo, Ghana, and Benin. Poor infrastructure, high operating costs, and persistent policy failures are undermining its competitiveness, even as new reforms and investments struggle to close the gap.

The Port of Lomé in Togo has rapidly positioned itself as a regional maritime leader, drawing global interest. Recent reports reveal that both the United States and Russia are moving to deepen their presence there, with Washington exploring commercial access and Moscow signing a military cooperation pact granting naval access.

With advanced deep-water facilities, modern equipment, and throughput exceeding 30 million tonnes annually, Lomé now serves as a major gateway for trade between Asia and West Africa. Carriers like MSC have deployed ultra-large container vessels to the route, boosting connectivity and making Togo a preferred transshipment hub.

In contrast, Nigeria’s seaports, despite handling more than 80% of its trade, remain plagued by inefficiencies. Lagos ports rank 311th out of 370 globally on the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, while vessel turnaround times still hover around 18–20 days, far behind rivals such as Ghana’s Tema and Morocco’s Tanger Med.

Nigeria’s struggles are also reflected in global rankings. In the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, Nigeria placed 88th out of 140 countries, scoring low in infrastructure (2.4), customs (2.4), and service quality (2.3). This leaves it trailing behind Togo, Benin, Ghana, and even landlocked Rwanda.

Cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports averages 13.7 days nearly 2.5 times the global benchmark. Roads, which carry 95% of cargo movement, remain dilapidated, congested, and unsafe, further compounding inefficiencies.

Experts warn the country risks forfeiting billions. The Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) estimates that Nigeria could lose ₦130bn annually in customs duties and VAT due to declining port activity. Potential foreign investment losses in the logistics sector could push the overall hit to ₦800bn–₦1.6tn annually.

Cargo diversion is already happening. Shippers increasingly route goods through Lomé, Cotonou, Tema, and even Senegal, with much of that cargo eventually finding its way into Nigerian markets. “When we put too many restrictions on imports and exports, businesses will always look for cheaper, easier options,” said Nicol Jonathan, a former president of the Shippers Association of Lagos.

Industry voices point to policy inconsistency and cost burdens. The Shipping Association of Nigeria has repeatedly decried high clearance charges, warning that new levies will only drive more cargo away.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Funke Agbor, noted that Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy is well-designed but poorly implemented. “Nigeria is a beautiful coastal country that is taking for granted the opportunities for maritime tourism and transportation,” she said at a recent Navy-hosted course in Apapa.

Experts stress that new port projects such as Lekki Deep Sea Port, Snake Island, and the planned Bakassi Deep Seaport though promising, cannot by themselves restore Nigeria’s hub status.

Mr. Eugene Nweke of SEREC argued that reforms must go beyond infrastructure:

• Digitalisation through single-window trade platforms.
• Multimodal connectivity, especially rail-port links and secure dry ports.
• Transparent regulations and reduced clearance bottlenecks.
• Stronger anti-corruption measures in port operations.

“Logistics leadership is not about geography but about efficiency, transparency, and foresight,” Nweke said.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Its natural advantages coastline, market size, and location remain intact. But without decisive reform to modernise logistics, improve infrastructure, and cut red tape, the country risks becoming a pass-through market while neighbours capture trade, jobs, and revenue.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) expanding opportunities, the window for action is shrinking. Whether Nigeria regains its crown or continu