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ONE YEAR AFTER, PETER OBI’S WARNING COMES TRUE AS US, RUSSIA DITCH NIGERIAN PORTS FOR TOGO
Over a year after presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 election, Peter Obi raised concerns about Nigeria’s chaotic port charges and inconsistent trade policies, his warning appears to be materialising, as major global powers are now bypassing Nigerian ports in favour of Togo port.
Despite Nigeria’s ongoing port reforms, including the construction of new facilities and rehabilitation of old ones, world powers like the United States and Russia have turned their attention to the Port of Lomé, Togo’s booming maritime gateway.
Obi, known for his strong economic stance and policy evaluation, had in 2024 cautioned that continued instability and unpredictable tariffs at Nigerian ports could drive international trade elsewhere. Today, that prediction is playing out.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, led by Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels, toured the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT), praising the port’s “advanced deep-water capabilities, cutting-edge equipment, and annual throughput exceeding 30 million tons.”
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said, “Ongoing infrastructure expansion, including a dry port and industrial zone, further enhances the port’s role as a growing gateway. Lomé offers U.S. businesses unmatched access to African markets.”
The visit came shortly after a high-level meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and five African leaders in Washington, further cementing growing commercial interests in Togo.
Russia is also reportedly in talks to boost its strategic commercial presence in Togo, marking a significant geopolitical shift in West African trade dynamics.
Nigeria’s ports, once regional leaders, have struggled with bottlenecks, policy somersaults, and alleged corruption. The inconsistency in port charges and customs processes has long deterred investors and importers.
Speaking over a year ago, Peter Obi had remarked, “With this level of inconsistency in port charges, importers will soon start avoiding Nigerian ports. We must fix our trade and logistics system if we want to grow our economy.”
That remark, initially downplayed, is now a reality.
