Lagos Free Zone, CEVA Logistics seal joint venture to boost integrated logistics in West Africa
The Lagos Free Zone and CEVA Logistics have announced a strategic joint venture aimed at strengthening integrated logistics services in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The partnership, approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), will see CEVA Logistics hold a majority stake in the newly established venture.
The joint venture combines CEVA Logistics’ global supply chain expertise with the strategic location and infrastructure of Lagos Free Zone, creating what the partners describe as a major step toward building a regional logistics hub.
Under the agreement, the partnership will establish the first warehouse operated by a global logistics leader within Lagos Free Zone, which hosts the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Speaking on the development, Adesuwa Ladoja, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Lagos Free Zone, said the collaboration reflects the zone’s long-term vision of providing integrated logistics support for businesses.
“This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses in Nigeria,” she said.
“By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
Ladoja noted that Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure positions it as a critical entry point for goods into the West African market, adding that importers using the free zone’s warehouse facilities would benefit from duty-free exports to member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
She added that the benefits are further enhanced by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel — a logistics corridor approved by the Nigeria Customs Service — which enables cargo to move directly between Lekki Port and the free zone within hours instead of days.
According to her, the corridor significantly reduces demurrage costs and improves supply chain predictability for manufacturers operating in time-sensitive markets.
Also speaking, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, vice-president for air and ocean product at CEVA IMEA, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to expanding logistics services in West Africa.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in this strategic venture,” he said.
“Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS markets.”
Rambaud said the new warehouse facility would support a seamless logistics journey for goods moving into West Africa, particularly for multinational manufacturers seeking efficient supply chain solutions.
He added that the collaboration would enable businesses to focus on their core operations while leveraging the combined infrastructure and expertise of both partners to ensure efficient delivery of goods across regional markets.
