The JV establishes the first global logistics leader-operated warehouse within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port
LAGOS, Nigeria, April 21, 2026/ — In line with their shared vision to
drive growth and innovation in West Africa, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ)
(https://LagosFreeZone.com [7]) and CEVA Logistics have announced the
signing of a Joint Venture (JV) agreement. This partnership marks a
significant milestone in advancing integrated logistics solutions in
Nigeria and the broader West Africa region.
The agreement, which has been approved by the Federal Competition and
Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, was formally signed
recently. CEVA Logistics will hold a majority stake in the newly
established joint venture.
This collaboration brings together CEVA Logistics’ extensive global
network and expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s strategic location and
infrastructure. The JV establishes the first global logistics
leader-operated warehouse within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s
Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly
access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers
serving the region. Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the Chief
Executive Officer and Managing Director, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja
said, “This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment
to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses
in Nigeria. 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, with its modern infrastructure, serves as
a critical entry point for goods entering West Africa. Importers
leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit
from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics
solution.
She added that the advantage is further reinforced by the Lagos Free
Zone Green Channel — a Nigeria Customs Service–approved logistics
corridor launched in February 2026 that enables cargo to move directly
between Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone in hours rather than days,
significantly reducing demurrage costs and giving manufacturers the
supply chain predictability needed to compete in time-sensitive regional
markets.
In his remarks, the Vice President, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA,
Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, stated, “We are proud to partner with Lagos
Free Zone in this strategic venture. Our targeted investments in Nigeria
reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to
our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS. This free
zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics
journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa.”
Rambaud disclosed that the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced
logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in
West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that
represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in
the FMCG sector. The logistics journey to this region requires a deep
understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs
procedures. By combining CEVA Logistics’ global capabilities with
Lagos Free Zone’s integrated infrastructure, the JV will enable
businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless
journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.
