Despite Nigeria’s ongoing port reforms and infrastructure projects, global powers like the United States and Russia are shifting their strategic interest toward the Port of Lomé in Togo, which has rapidly emerged as a major maritime gateway in West Africa.
Driven by rising trade volumes between Asia and the region, Lomé has become a preferred container port, drawing the attention of major ocean carriers. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world’s largest shipping firms, has redeployed ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) to the route, significantly boosting the liner connectivity of West African ports, especially Lomé.
In response to Lomé’s growing role, the United States has pledged to deepen its commercial engagement with the port. Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, led by Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels, toured the port facility and met with executives of the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) to discuss business opportunities for American firms.
“With advanced deep-water capabilities, cutting-edge equipment, and an annual throughput exceeding 30 million tons, Lomé offers U.S. businesses unmatched access to African markets,” the U.S. Embassy noted. It also highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion, including a dry port and industrial zone, positioning Lomé as a rising commercial hub.
The embassy’s visit came on the heels of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and five West African leaders — from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — in Washington, where trade opportunities dominated the agenda.
Meanwhile, Russia has ratified a military cooperation agreement with Togo, initially signed earlier this year. The deal includes joint military exercises, training programs, weapons support, and technical collaboration in hydrography, navigation, and anti-piracy operations.
Analysts believe the agreement paves the way for Russian naval access to the Port of Lomé. According to Vladimir Gruzdev, a member of the Russian Government Commission on Legislative Activity, the seaport is the busiest and most organized in Tropical Africa, making it of strategic interest to Moscow.
While these developments unfold, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges that make its ports less competitive. The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) recently raised concerns about cargo diversion to neighboring ports due to high operating costs.
In a statement, SAN Chairperson Boma Alabi said that much of the cargo shipped through ports in neighboring countries, such as Lomé, ultimately finds its way to Nigerian markets. She warned that this not only causes cargo loss but also deprives Nigeria of revenue, employment, and other economic gains linked to the cargo clearance chain.
Alabi also cautioned against proposed new charges on Free On Board (FOB) cargo, saying it could further discourage trade through Nigerian ports and deepen economic losses.
