For foreign investors weighing Nigeria as their next destination, efficiency is everything—and recent findings highlight a mixed picture.

 

According to a recent report, ongoing legal and administrative challenges continue to influence global perceptions of Nigeria as an attractive market for foreign direct investment. Among the biggest hurdles identified is the persistent inefficiency at the nation's seaports, which acts as a major bottleneck for import- and export-dependent businesses. The report went as far as describing these port delays as a significant **"hidden tax" on investment**.

 

However, there is a bright spot on the horizon. The new **Lekki Deep Seaport** is proving to be a game-changer. Operating at 50% capacity, the state-of-the-art facility handled **$9.6 billion in trade in 2025**, significantly easing the burden on older, congested port facilities and showing real potential for the country's maritime future