U.S., Russia Abandon Nigerian Ports, Turn to Togo’s Lomé Port as West Africa’s New Maritime Hub

Despite Nigeria’s ongoing port reforms and expansion efforts, global powers like the United States and Russia are now shifting their focus to Togo’s Port of Lomé, which has rapidly emerged as a major maritime gateway in West Africa.

Driven by the rising volume of trade between Asia and West Africa, Lomé has transformed into a crucial regional container port. Global shipping giant MSC has responded to this shift by deploying ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) to the region, boosting maritime connectivity and further enhancing Lomé’s strategic significance.

America Eyes Lomé for African Trade Expansion

Recognizing Lomé’s growing importance, the United States has announced plans to increase its trade presence in Africa via Togo. Last week, a U.S. delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Richard C. Michaels from the U.S. Embassy in Lomé toured the port’s facilities. The team also met with executives of Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) to explore commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses.

“With deep-water capacity, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and annual cargo throughput surpassing 30 million tons, Lomé offers U.S. businesses unrivaled access to African markets,” said a statement from the U.S. Embassy. Ongoing expansion projects including the construction of a dry port and an industrial zone are set to further elevate Lomé’s position as a strategic trade hub.

This development comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted five African heads of state representing Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal for talks in Washington. The discussions focused heavily on enhancing trade ties at a time when U.S. foreign aid to Africa is being scaled back.

Russia’s Strategic Military Agreement with Togo

Russia, too, has cemented its ties with Togo, ratifying a military cooperation agreement that was originally signed earlier this year. The pact includes joint military exercises, training programs, and the supply of military equipment. It also provides for cooperation in hydrography, navigation, and anti-piracy operations.

Crucially, the agreement allows Russian naval vessels to access Togo’s ports, including the increasingly strategic Lomé. “Togo is widely regarded as the most organized and well-equipped port country in Tropical Africa,” said Vladimir Gruzdev, a senior Russian official involved in the ratification process. “The busiest port in West Africa is on Togolese soil.”

Nigeria Loses Cargo and Revenue Amid High Port Costs

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s own maritime sector continues to struggle. The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), a coalition of foreign shipping lines operating in the country, has raised alarms over the diversion of cargo to neighboring countries especially Togo due to Nigeria’s high port costs and operational inefficiencies.

According to SAN Chairperson Boma Alabi, much of the cargo that lands in nearby countries eventually finds its way into Nigerian markets, leading to significant economic losses. “This trend costs Nigeria not only cargo traffic but also vital jobs, revenue, and broader economic benefits across the logistics chain,” she said.

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Alabi further warned that proposed new Free On Board (FOB) charges four in total would exacerbate the problem by making Nigeria’s ports even less competitive. “Such policies will only stifle trade and slow economic growth,” she cautioned.

As world powers reposition themselves around Lomé’s flourishing port, Nigeria faces increasing pressure to make its maritime sector more attractive or risk further marginalization in regional and global trade.