NIGERIA NEWS
We will immortalise Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi – Uba Sani
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has promised to set up a Foundation to commemorate the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, that will continue to preach the inter-religious harmony which the learned Islamic scholar was known for in his lifetime.
The Governor made the commitment on Sunday, when he led a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Tijjaniyya leader who died on November 27, at his family home in Bauchi.
Speaking during the visit, he said that Kaduna State Government will set up a committee comprising the late Sheikh’s family members, his students and various stakeholders, to work out details of the Foundation.
The Governor pointed out that although the late Sheikh was from Bauchi State, Kaduna State will immortalize him more than anyone because of his invaluable contributions to Islam, good governance and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the Foundation will not only continue with the good works of the late Islamic cleric, it will also implement what he had planned to accomplish.
“I used to consult our late leader and whatever advice he gave me, had positive outcomes. I am part and parcel of the late Sheikh’s family and we have a cordial relationship with members of his household.’’
Governor Uba Sani promised that ‘’we will continue with his efforts at uniting Muslims and ensuring unity amongst adherents of different religions, not only in Kaduna State but the country at large.’’
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Jatau, recalled that Governor Uba Sani was in faraway China on an official assignment when Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died.
He said that the Kaduna State Governor had phoned his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, from China and offered his condolences.
‘’I want to disclose that, Governor Uba Sani also constituted a special committee in Kaduna to receive condolences from students and well wishers of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,’’ he added.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the late Islamic cleric, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, reiterated that the Governor has always been close to the deceased, even before he became the number one citizen of Kaduna State.
‘’This is your home. Immediately the death was announced, we spoke on phone. You also sent representatives that attended the funeral prayer and afterwards, you sent a delegation of Malams to condole us.
‘’Today, you have come to pay us a condolence visit. This shows the high esteem with which you held the late Sheikh. May Allah(SWT) bless you. May He also grant you your heart’s desires,’’ he added.
Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim also thanked Governor Uba Sani, on behalf of the deceased’s 82 children, for promising to rebuild the residence of their grand father, where the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi grew up.
Those on Governor Uba Sani’s delegation include the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman; the National President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria (FIN), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Arabi Abul Fath and Dr. Musa Muhammad from Borno (Deputy National Chairman, Fityanul Islam).
Others are Engr. Mansur Nakande from Plateau State (Secretary-General, Fityanul Islam); Sheikh Salaudeen Inyas; Saiyyida Fatima from Niger State (National Women Leader, Fityanul Islam); Hajia Hadiza Muhammad (National Women Secretary, Fityanul Islam) and the Kaduna State Chairman of Fityanul Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi.
Sheikh Abdulkarim Hashim (Chief Imam, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Mosque, Kaduna); Sheikh Sharu Danlami (National Chairman, Quddamun Nabiyyu); Sheikh Salisu Maibarota; Sheikh Aminu Kasim Kafanchan; Sheikh Ibrahim Mahe and Sheikh Nasiru G. Shehu Dahiru were also on the delegation.
The rest are Kaduna State Chairman, First Aid; and State Chairmen of Fityanul Islam from various states, including Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger, and Bauchi, as well as other senior officials of the Kaduna State Government.
A Network of Civil Society Organisations in Akwa Ibom State, ACOMIN, TB and NEPWHAN, “ATM Network” has urged youths and other Community stakeholders in the state to take ownership of health interventions or projects put up in their communities.
It said aside the infrastructural facilities community members should jealously guard; they should also pay attention particularly to service delivery of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) treatment, with the aim of identifying the gaps and jointly prioritising their needs for improved services.
This was part of the recommendations by the Network during a media briefing held at the completion of its two year project on, “The COVID-19 Response Mechanism/ Resilient and Sustainable System for health (C19RM/RSSH)” across Nine local government areas in the state which was sponsored by Global Fund through the National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA) and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Programme Officer for the C19-RSSH project, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Wisdom Jacob recalled the incidents of vandalism and theft in some health facilities by hoodlums, challenging community members to be intentional in protecting their assets especially the ones handed over to them through the project.
While listing some projects implemented through the programme including stocking of drugs, revamping of boreholes in health facilities, installation of vandalized cables, donation of chairs and tables, roofing of some centres among others; the program officer called for effective monitoring by the state ministry of health and the primary health care development agency and staff training on proper documentation and record keeping.
His words, “In one of the Local Government Areas visited, the Cold Chain Cables given with solar systems were vandalized and taken away from the facility. So we begin to talk to the community members that it is your property so you have the right to stand up and ensure that it is protected. There should be adequate security in the health facilities.
He also disabused the misconception that Health centres are only meant for children immunization saying that adults can also access healthcare services in health centres.
Also speaking NEPWHAN Cordinator in the state, Mrs Elizabeth Udoh said C19RM/RSSH project was a critical initiative aimed at supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in health centres for the prevention and treatment of diseases in communities.
She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities within health systems worldwide, emphasising the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, a robust health workforce, and effective disease surveillance.”
In a goodwill message, the Akwa Ibom State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr Boniface Ukpong commended Global Fund for the sponsorship and ATM Network for implementing the project in the state, noting that they have been able to mitigate the impact of the shortfalls of malaria commodities following US funding withdrawal.
Ukpong also applauded the governor, Pastor Umo Eno for remodelling the health sector especially at the rural areas saying another line of advocacy should be for sustainability, for locals to take ownership of what has been given to them by ensuring that the facilities are well maintained and services run the way it should.
An airstrike carries out by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) targeting members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State have reportedly killed an unspecified number of civilians.
Speaking to Premium Times, a security source disclosed that the airstrikes were launched between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred a few hours after NAF vowed to protect civilian populations in its ongoing operations supported by the United States.
According to the source, the airstrikes killed fishermen and commercial drivers gathered at a terminus junction between the road that leads to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA.
The commercial drivers had gathered in the area to convey both the fish products and fishermen to their destinations.
Confirming three casualties and destruction of 10 vehicles, the source said: “The number of civilians killed is uncertain. But a high number of civilians have been killed and vehicles destroyed.”
He added that some casualties had been conveyed to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment.
A NAF officer, a pilot, confirmed the incident to Premium Times, saying it was discussed at “today’s briefing” in a state in the North-west.
The Air Force has not issue a statement about the incident.
Also confirming the incident, a security expert, Brant Philip wrote: “Reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP, and there were large civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State.”
“Over 10,000 fishermen work in ISWAP territory, paying taxes to the proto-state who guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS), it’s not unusual at all for civilians to be working and living in these areas, the NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he added.
A former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Dr Kunle Akindele, has described the so-called primary the Accord Party conducted over the weekend as a charade, stating that Governor Adeleke is the man to beat in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Akindele, who is the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Public Health, described the purported primaries as a kangaroo one, sponsored by people intimidated by the popularity of the governor, and has become relentless in its opposition to all his activities.
He said Governor Adeleke’s movement to the Accord Party because of the crisis in the PDP was the people’s choice, and they are sticking to him because of his sterling performance in all the senatorial districts and local government in the state.
He described the purported primary as a fraud and an afterthought, which was never witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law, coming a week after Governor Adeleke emerged as the sole and unanimous candidate of the Accord Party for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
“The so-called primaries are part of the disgruntled members of the politicians attempting to frustrate Governor Adeleke. The question is, why are they afraid? Why have they embarked on all these shenanigans to want to stop Governor Adeleke from being on the ballot?
“They know that the Osun people are giving Governor Adeleke their backing. The civil servants in the state are behind him. Despite their action in withholding local government funds through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Governor Adeleke has continued to pay local government staff salaries.
“From the intelligence we gathered, they are behind the kangaroo primaries. You are aware that Accord Primaries conducted by its National Working Committee, and witnessed by INEC, and Governor Adeleke has emerged as the candidate of the party.”
Akindele stated his sterling performance as the Governor in various areas like Health, education and infrastructural development. Indeed, Osun people are not particularly interested in any political party, but in Governor Adeleke, and they want him to continue to govern the state.
Akindele said, “The only thing the Osun people want is good governance for another four years, and that is why they are sticking with Governor Adeleke.
“They are aware that if they can have him for another four years, it will become one of the best states in Nigeria, hence they are hellbent on stopping him.”
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Nigeria’s inflation rate eased to 14.45 per cent in November from 16.05 per cent a month earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated in the official data issued on Monday.
“The November 2025 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to the October 2025 headline inflation rate,” the bureau said.
Inflation indicators compare prices of goods and services over 12 months. A decline does not necessarily imply a reduction in prices; instead, it shows the rate of price increase had fallen compared to previous months.
On a year-on-year basis, the NBS said, the headline inflation rate was 20.15 per cent lower than the rate recorded in November 2024 (34.60 per cent).
This, it said, shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in November 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., November 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.
On a month-on-month basis, the bureau said, the headline inflation rate in November 2025 was 1.22 per cent, which was 0.29 per cent higher than the rate recorded in October 2025 (0.93 per cent).
“This means that in November 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in October 2025,” it said.
Food inflation
The food inflation rate in November 2025 stood at 11.08 per cent on a year-on-year basis. This was 28.85 per cent points lower compared to the rate recorded in November 2024 (39.93 per cent).
The NBS said the significant decline in the annual food inflation figure is technically due to the change in the base year.
However, on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in November 2025 was 1.13 per cent, up by 1.5 per cent compared to October 2025 (-0.37 per cent).
“The increase can be attributed to the rate of increase in the average prices of tomatoes (dried), cassava tuber, periwinkle (shelled), grounded pepper, eggs, crayfish, melon (egusi) unshelled, oxtail, onions (fresh), etc,” it said.
It explained that the average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending November 2025 over the previous twelve-month average was 19.68 per cent, which was 18.99 per cent points lower compared with the average annual rate of change recorded in November 2024 (38.67 per cent).
Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile items such as energy and farm produce, stood at 18.04 per cent in November 2025 on a year-on-year basis; showing a decline of 10.71 per cent when compared to the 28.75 per cent recorded in November 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, the NBS said the Core inflation rate was 1.28 per cent in November 2025, down by 0.14 per cent compared to October 2025 (1.42 per cent).
READ ALSO: CBN holds benchmark rate at 27% as inflation continues to ease
“The average twelve-month annual inflation rate was 20.76 per cent for the twelve months ending November 2025, which was 5.88 per cent points lower than the 26.64 per cent recorded in November 2024,” it said.
Across states, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (17.83 per cent), Ogun (16.52 per cent), and Rivers (16.11 per cent), while Imo (3.52 per cent), Katsina (3.65 per cent), and Akwa Ibom (4.52 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.
“On a month-on-month basis, however, November 2025 Food inflation was highest in Yobe (9.52 per cent), Katsina (6.61 per cent) and Ondo (6.04 per cent), while Imo (-6.49 per cent), Nasarawa (-5.48 per cent), and Enugu (-2.54 per cent) recorded a decline in food inflation on a month-on-month basis,” the bureau said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to investigate allegations of corruption against the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, following a mass protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Members of the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) led the protest, demanding the immediate removal of Dr. Adedokun and a comprehensive probe into alleged corrupt practices within the BPP. The protesters also called for an investigation into more than 100 bank accounts reportedly linked to the alleged receipt of bribes in exchange for the issuance of Certificates of No Objection.
The allegations, contained in a petition earlier submitted to the EFCC by a legal practitioner, Musa Aliyu, Esq., accuse Dr. Adedokun and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa, of operating proxy and unofficial bank accounts, receiving foreign exchange and other financial inducements from contractors, and accepting vehicles and other gratifications connected to procurement approvals. COCTA stressed that these claims remain allegations and not findings of guilt.
Addressing the protesters, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, assured that the commission would thoroughly investigate the matter. “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice,” Oyewale said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and due process.
COCTA also disclosed that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has been petitioned to verify the asset declarations of Dr. Adedokun and members of his household, as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency.
In a formal letter to the EFCC Chairman, COCTA urged the commission to commence an immediate and impartial investigation, recommend the suspension of the BPP Director-General pending the outcome of the probe, and provide periodic updates to the public in line with legal protocols.
The BPP is the federal agency responsible for regulating public procurement and ensuring transparency in government contracting. Civil society groups say the allegations, if substantiated, could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s procurement system and highlight the need for stronger oversight.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, the EFCC’s response to the petition and protests is expected to draw close public scrutiny in the coming days.
NIGERIA NEWS
Man Who Knows Sandra Areh Speaks Out, Shares Interesting Facts: “She Can’t Be A Jezebel”
- A young Nigerian man has spoken out amid the controversy surrounding a popular pastor and his church member
- He shared some sensitive details about the lady and the pastor, and his post has gone viral on social media
- Many people who read his post have asked questions as they continue to speculate about the type of relationship they share
Just days after a Nigerian pastor, Apostle Joshua Selman, made waves in an interview due to his friendly actions and statements at the birthday event of a church member, Sandra Areh, a Nigerian man who knows her personality has spoken up.
The individual shared a lot of things about her which have grabbed attention online, and several people have started asking him questions to know more about the lady in the viral clip.
Man recalls Sandra Areh’s early role in church media team. Photo Source: Twitter/andenwui
Source: Twitter
Man talks about Sandra Areh
Legit.ng had recently published a story containing a video showing the friendly actions of Apostle Selman at Sandra Areh’s birthday party.
Read also
“Red flag”: Man openly supports Pastor Chris Okafor amid Doris Ogala controversy, explains why
The actions of the pastor drew the attention of many, and after the video circulated online, people attached different meanings to the post.
Just days after the incident, a man, @andenwui, shared some interesting things about her which only a few people know.
He mentioned that Sandra Areh has been a member of the church for a very long time and has been consistent in her dealings with Apostle Joshua Selman.
Speaking further, he added that at the church, she handled the camera and was just in 200L at the university during those days.
His statement read:
“Sandra had been there all along. She has paid her dues as regards being consistent with Apostle Selman. I remember her as a member of the media team in Koinonia back then in Samaru. She operated the camera. He chose her early. She was just a 200L undergraduate.”
Read also
“Rubbish”: Man reacts in anger after watching Pastor Chris Okafor’s video, points out one thing
Man speaks on Sandra Areh’s time with Apostle Joshua Selman. Photo Source: Twitter/andenwui
Source: Twitter”He shaped her into all that she is currently. That then means she can’t be a Jezebel.””They have long pass that already. Their worst days are behind them already”They didn’t start today. Sandra sure has her weaknesses as all humans do But one thing she is not is to be a social media nuisance.”
Reactions as man speaks about Sandra Areh
@Ambee_01 shared:
“My own is I don’t want anybody to set camera and ring light in future and start wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
@whaleslogistics noted:
“Na wetin she be dem dey talk about? Ozwor.”
@UcheMaryOkoli asked:
“She has paid her dues” I don’t understand.”
@YvonneBabss said:
“Then why can’t he marry her ?”
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man shared his opinion after watching a viral video of Apostle Joshua Selman at Sandra Areh’s birthday party. He criticized the pastor for fueling dating rumors online through his actions and statements during the event.
Read also
“Why is she not married?”: Lady asks if Sandra Areh is waiting for Apostle Selman to propose
Woman questions Apostle Selman, Sandra Areh’s relationship
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian woman shared her thoughts online after watching a video of Apostle Joshua Selman at a birthday celebration for Sandra Areh. She was surprised by how close the two have been for over fifteen years,
The woman questioned why neither the pastor nor Sandra Areh is married yet and raised concerns about the nature of their long-standing relationship.
Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian lady has sparked reactions on social media after publicly calling out her mother for what she described as a lack of care and involvement in her baby’s life.
New Mum Cries Out On X
The new mum, @neetahworld took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her frustration, saying her mother has failed to step into her role as a grandmother since she gave birth.
Says Mother Has Seen Baby Only Once
According to her post, her mother has only seen the baby once during the naming ceremony despite living in Benin and not being actively employed.
“Zero Atom of Care,” She Claims
The lady expressed disappointment over the lack of calls and concern from her mother, stressing that the silence has been constant since childbirth.
She wrote:
“I don’t think my mom knows she’s now a grandma. Last time she saw my baby was during naming and she lives in Benin.
“She doesn’t work incase you want to think she’s busy. She doesn’t call us
“I was surprised she called me today saying she saw baby on my status that she has gotten big
“Only God knows when next she will call. Zero atom of care.”
Netizens React
Her post quickly drew reactions from other X users, with some people trying to excuse the mother’s behavior or suggesting possible reasons for her absence.
Lady Rejects Excuses
In response, the new mum dismissed those explanations, insisting her mother does not behave the same way with her siblings’ children.
She stated that her mother is actively involved in the lives of her siblings’ kids, making her own situation even more painful.
See below.
Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State is set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s Political Adviser, Mr Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja.
Nwansat explained that Muftwang’s decision to defect stems from the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the APC as the option with the least political risk.
He added that the governor’s move would also align Plateau State with President Bola Tinubu’s political and governance agenda.
“The crisis in the PDP has made it an unrealistic platform for political actors to effectively contest elections,” Nwansat said.
“After careful assessment of all available options, we concluded that the safest course for us, with the least risk, is to join the APC.
“That is why the governor is moving to the APC. He also believes it is reasonable to align his people with the President.
“Even as members of the PDP, we recognise and appreciate the efforts of Mr President in putting things right,” he added.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Governor Muftwang had earlier stated he was under pressure to join the APC.
NIGERIA NEWS
FG Finally Explains Why NAF Aircraft Landed in Burkina Faso, Breaks Silence on Spy Claims
The Federal Government has broken its silence over the controversial landing of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Burkina Faso, firmly dismissing claims that the plane was involved in espionage or forced to land by foreign authorities.
Government Officials described the reports as false, misleading and deliberately circulated to confuse Nigerians.
The government clarified that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was not on any covert or intelligence mission.
It stressed that the incident has been wrongly portrayed on social media, leading to unfounded speculation about Nigeria’s military operations and diplomatic relations within the West African region.
According to the Federal Government, the aircraft was on a duly approved ferry flight to Portugal for scheduled maintenance.
This maintenance was described as a routine and compulsory requirement for military transport aircraft, forming part of standard operational procedures.
Government Authorities emphasized that the flight had no operational or combat-related assignment.
It was explained that the aircraft carried all required flight clearances and international documentation. The precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was carried out strictly for safety reasons and in line with global aviation regulations.
The government rejected claims that the aircraft was intercepted, seized, or forced to land by Burkinabe authorities. It also dismissed allegations of airspace violations or hostile intent, describing such narratives as fabricated and dangerous.
On reports suggesting espionage activities, officials stated that the personnel onboard were regular aircrew members and engineering support staff.
They were not intelligence officers, and the aircraft was not equipped with any surveillance or signal intelligence systems.
The Federal Government further clarified that it never announced the release of the crew, contrary to claims circulating online.
It confirmed that interactions between the Nigerian crew and authorities in Burkina Faso have remained professional, adding that the personnel have been in contact with their families.
Authorities noted that the matter is being handled through established diplomatic channels by relevant government ministries and agencies. They assured Nigerians that international protocols and bilateral relations are being fully respected.
The government warned that the spread of false information could damage Nigeria’s reputation, undermine public trust, and strain regional relationships.
Nigerians were urged to rely on verified information and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports, particularly on national security matters.
Lekki Deep Sea Port is rapidly reshaping Nigeria’s maritime trade landscape, emerging as the country’s second most important port by trade value just three years after operations began.
New trade data for the first nine months of 2025 show that Lekki has overtaken long-established ports such as Tin Can Island and Port Harcourt (Onne) in both imports and exports, signalling a structural shift in how goods move in and out of Africa’s largest economy.
The figures, drawn from Nigeria’s “Trade by Top 10 Posts/Ports of Operation” tables for Q1, Q2 and Q3 2025, highlight Lekki’s growing dominance, particularly on the import side, where it is now clearly entrenched as the second-largest gateway after Apapa Port.
The combined trade figures put Lekki Deep Sea Port’s rise into sharp relief. Between Q1 and Q3 2025, Lekki handled an estimated N13.46 trillion in total trade, combining imports and exports, making it Nigeria’s second-largest port by trade value, well ahead of Tin Can Island’s N9.31 trillion and almost double the N6.76 trillion recorded at Port Harcourt (Onne).
While Apapa Port remains dominant with about N74.78 trillion in total trade, Lekki has clearly emerged as the only port operating at a scale large enough to act as a genuine secondary hub.
Notably, Lekki’s trade is also more balanced, with imports of N7.39 trillion and exports of N6.07 trillion, underscoring its growing role as both a supply gateway and an export platform rather than a one-sided, import-heavy port.
Lekki’s rapid ascent in imports
By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Lekki Deep Sea Port recorded N7.39 trillion in imports year-to-date, placing it firmly behind only Apapa Port, which handled N22.21 trillion over the same period.
A breakdown of the quarterly data shows a consistent and accelerating trend:
- Q1 2025: N1.70 trillion
- Q2 2025: N2.51 trillion
- Q3 2025: N3.18 trillion
This steady rise contrasts with the flatter performance of legacy ports.
Tin Can Island, for example, recorded N5.83 trillion in imports YTD, well below Lekki’s total, while Port Harcourt (Onne) stood at N3.81 trillion.
The significance of Lekki’s import growth goes beyond headline rankings.
It reflects a gradual rerouting of high-value cargo, especially containerised and industrial imports, away from congested Lagos legacy ports toward a facility designed from inception for scale, automation, and larger vessels.
Exports tell the same story, but with a time lag
While Lekki’s import dominance is now clear, its export story is slightly more recent but equally telling.
Between Q1 and Q3 2025, Lekki handled N6.07 trillion in exports, making it the second-largest export port in Nigeria, behind only Apapa Port’s N52.57 trillion.
The quarterly export trajectory shows just how quickly the port is scaling:
- Q1 2025: N303.6 billion
- Q2 2025: N2.41 trillion
- Q3 2025: N3.36 trillion
In Q1, Lekki was still a marginal export hub. By Q3, it had become a core conduit for outbound trade, overtaking Tin Can Island and narrowing the gap with Port Harcourt (Onne).
This pattern is consistent with how deep-sea ports mature globally: imports ramp up first as shipping lines and consignees adjust routes, while exports follow once exporters reorganise logistics, storage, and customs processes around the new hub.
Apapa remains dominant, but the centre of gravity is shifting
Apapa Port continues to dominate Nigeria’s trade, accounting for over N52.6 trillion in exports and N22.2 trillion in imports in the first nine months of 2025.
However, the data suggest that Apapa’s dominance is increasingly relative rather than absolute.
Lekki’s growth is not coming at the expense of total trade volumes but is instead absorbing incremental growth in Nigeria’s imports and exports.
In practical terms, new cargo volumes, especially those linked to industrial inputs, refined products, and large container shipments, are more likely to flow through Lekki than through already-strained legacy ports.
This dynamic supports the federal government’s long-standing objective of decongesting Apapa without disrupting trade flows.
Infrastructure investments are beginning to pay off
Lekki’s rise in the rankings aligns closely with recent government and private-sector investments aimed at resolving what had been the port’s biggest constraint: access.
Over the past year, major interventions have included:
These developments are critical because a deep-sea port’s competitiveness depends not just on berths and cranes, but on how quickly cargo can move inland.
The Q1–Q3 data suggest that improvements in evacuation routes are already translating into higher cargo throughput.
Lekki is attracting cargo faster than older ports because its deep-water capacity for larger vessels, automated operations, proximity to major industrial assets, and readiness for next-generation shipping make it more efficient and future-proof for high-value, time-sensitive trade.