Efforts by Nigeria to modernise its ports and attract global trade continue to face setbacks, as world powers, including the United States and Russia, are increasingly shifting their focus to Togo’s Port of Lomé. The port has emerged as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing maritime hubs, attracting major international carriers and investment.
Lomé rises as regional shipping leader
A surge in trade between Asia and West Africa has transformed Lomé into a vital container hub, with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) redeploying ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) to the route. This development has enhanced liner connectivity across the region and positioned Lomé as a strategic gateway for global trade.
Washington eyes Lomé for market access
The U.S. is actively courting Lomé’s potential to boost its trade presence in Africa. Last week, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Togo, led by Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels, toured the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) and met with its management to discuss commercial opportunities for American businesses.
“With advanced deep-water capacity, modern equipment, and annual throughput surpassing 30 million tons, Lomé offers U.S. companies a unique platform to access African markets,” the embassy noted. “Expansion projects, including a new dry port and industrial zone, further solidify its role as a key gateway for regional trade.”
The visit came on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with five West African leaders—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—where discussions focused on expanding trade relations amid reduced U.S. aid to Africa.
Russia strengthens strategic foothold
Moscow is also stepping up its influence in Togo. Earlier this year, Russia and Togo signed a military cooperation agreement, which has now been ratified. The deal covers joint training exercises, military equipment support, and collaboration on navigation, hydrography, and anti-piracy operations.
Observers say the agreement will give Russia significant access to Lomé’s seaport, including visits by Russian naval vessels.
“Togo is home to one of the busiest and best-equipped seaports in West Africa,” noted Vladimir Gruzdev, a member of Russia’s Government Commission on Legislative Activity, which prepared the ratification law.
Nigeria’s port challenges persist
The rise of Lomé underscores the challenges Nigeria faces in retaining cargo traffic. The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), which represents foreign shipping lines, recently raised concerns about the loss of cargo to neighbouring countries due to the high cost of operations at Nigerian ports.
SAN’s chairperson, Boma Alabi, stressed that most cargo destined for Nigeria now passes through ports like Lomé, costing the country jobs, revenue, and other economic benefits across the logistics chain. She also criticised plans to add four new Free On Board (FOB) charges to the cost of clearing goods in Nigeria, warning that such moves would further discourage trade.
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