U.S, Russia Shun Nigerian Ports, Seek Access to Togo Port

U.S, Russia Shun Nigerian Ports, Seek Access to Togo Port

Despite Nigeria’s ambitious reforms and port development plans, global powers like the United States and Russia are increasingly pivoting towards the Port of Lomé in Togo, bypassing Nigerian ports amid concerns over high costs and inefficiencies.

Togo’s capital port has rapidly emerged as a regional maritime hub, driven by rising trade volumes between Asia and West Africa. The port’s modern infrastructure, deep-water capabilities, and competitive operational environment have made it an attractive choice for international shipping giants and governments seeking strategic footholds in the region.

The United States, eager to bolster its trade presence in Africa, recently stepped up engagement with the port’s operators. A delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, led by Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels, toured the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) and held talks with terminal management on enhancing commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses.

“Lomé’s advanced infrastructure, which includes deep-water berths, cutting-edge equipment, and a throughput capacity exceeding 30 million tons annually, presents a significant opportunity for U.S. trade expansion in West Africa,” the U.S. Embassy in Togo said in a statement.

The U.S. visit came shortly after a high-level meeting in Washington, where former President Donald Trump hosted leaders from five West African nations — Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — to discuss trade amid ongoing aid reductions to the continent.

Meanwhile, Russia has also moved to solidify its presence in Togo. Moscow recently ratified a wide-ranging military cooperation agreement with the Togolese government. The pact includes joint military exercises, weapons support, and maritime security collaborations — all of which are expected to give Russia increased access to the strategic Port of Lomé.

According to Russian officials, the agreement also covers hydrography and navigation, underscoring Lomé’s rising significance in regional geopolitics. “Togo is considered one of the most organized and strategically positioned countries in tropical Africa,” said Vladimir Gruzdev, a key member of the Russian government involved in the agreement’s drafting.

While Togo reaps the benefits of international attention, Nigeria is grappling with growing concerns over the competitiveness of its own ports. The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), which represents foreign shipping lines, recently sounded the alarm over the exodus of cargo traffic to neighboring countries, particularly Togo.

SAN Chairman, Boma Alabi, lamented the high cost of cargo operations at Nigerian ports, citing it as a major deterrent for international shippers. “Most cargo that lands in neighboring countries still ends up in Nigerian markets,” Alabi said, noting the loss of revenue, employment, and other economic benefits due to the diversion.

She also criticized a proposed plan to introduce four new Free On Board (FOB) charges on Nigerian cargo clearance, warning it could further discourage port activity and worsen the country’s trade position.

Despite Nigeria’s ongoing port reforms and construction of new facilities, the country faces mounting pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and restore confidence in its maritime infrastructure or risk losing more ground to regional competitors like Togo.