Ceva and Lagos Free Zone redefine West African logistics

Lagos Free Zone has entered into a joint venture agreement with CEVA Logistics to strengthen integrated logistics capabilities in Nigeria and across the wider West African region

The agreement, recently formalised following approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, will see CEVA Logistics take a majority stake in the new entity.

The collaboration combines CEVA Logistics’ global expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s infrastructure and strategic positioning. It will establish the first warehouse in the zone operated by a global logistics provider, located within the free zone that hosts the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The facility is designed to support importers and multinational manufacturers seeking efficient access to regional markets.

Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the CEO 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.”

The development leverages Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure as a key gateway for goods entering West Africa. Businesses operating within the free zone benefit from duty-free export access to markets under the Economic Community of West African States, supporting more cost-effective and streamlined supply chains.

This advantage is further supported by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel, a Nigeria Customs Service-approved corridor introduced in February 2026, which enables faster cargo movement between the port and the free zone, significantly reducing delays and associated costs while improving supply chain reliability.

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.”

He added that the partnership signals a new phase in logistics development for the region, supporting smoother trade flows into a fast-growing market. By combining global logistics capabilities with integrated local infrastructure, the joint venture is expected to enable businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring efficient movement of goods from international origins to destinations across West Africa.