Nigeria Loses Trade as US, Russia Boost Presence at Lomé Port

Despite having multiple seaports across Lagos, Rivers, and Delta States, Nigeria is facing increasing competition from Togo, where the Port of Lomé is rapidly becoming the preferred maritime hub for global trade in West Africa.

Recent moves by the United States and Russia to secure access to Lomé’s port facilities have raised concerns among Nigerian maritime stakeholders. The U.S. has pledged to expand trade through Lomé, while Russia has finalised a military cooperation agreement with Togo, granting access for naval operations and anti-piracy efforts.

The shift comes as major shipping lines, including MSC, deploy ultra-large container vessels to Lomé, bypassing Nigerian ports due to high operational costs, congestion, and bureaucratic delays. Although Nigeria boasts several seaports including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne, and Calabar logistical inefficiencies continue to drive cargo traffic to neighbouring countries.

Industry experts say the majority of goods arriving in Lomé and Cotonou are ultimately destined for the Nigerian market via land borders, leading to significant revenue losses for Nigeria’s port authorities and customs services.

The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has repeatedly warned that unless urgent reforms are implemented, Nigeria risks losing its position as the region’s leading maritime gateway. While the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port offers some hope, analysts say Nigeria must move quickly to upgrade existing infrastructure and simplify port operations.

With growing foreign interest in smaller but more efficient ports like Lomé, Nigeria’s maritime future now hangs in the balance.