LFZ, CEVA Logistics partner to enhance integrated logistics in West Africa
22 April, 2026
Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement aimed at strengthening integrated logistics solutions across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The agreement, recently approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), will see CEVA Logistics take a majority stake in the newly established entity, signalling a deepened commitment to Nigeria’s fast-growing trade and industrial ecosystem.
The partnership brings together CEVA’s global logistics network with LFZ’s strategic positioning and infrastructure, creating what both parties describe as a seamless gateway for international trade into West Africa. A key highlight of the deal is the development of a global logistics leader-operated warehouse within Lagos Free Zone, home to the Lekki Deep Sea Port—marking a first of its kind in the zone
The facility is expected to enable importers and multinational manufacturers to efficiently access regional markets, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), by streamlining cargo handling, storage, and distribution.
Adesuwa Ladoja, managing director and chief executive officer of Lagos Free Zone, said the partnership aligns with the zone’s ambition to become a one-stop hub for manufacturing and trade.
“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,” Ladoja said.
She noted that Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure provides a critical entry point for goods entering the region, while companies operating within the free zone can take advantage of duty-free exports to ECOWAS markets, significantly lowering operational costs.
According to her, the benefits are further enhanced by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel—a Nigeria Customs Service-approved logistics corridor launched in February 2026—which enables cargo to move between Lekki Port and the free zone within hours rather than days. The initiative is expected to cut demurrage costs and improve supply chain reliability for businesses operating in time-sensitive sectors.
Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, vice president, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, described the JV as a strategic investment designed to simplify logistics for global clients targeting West Africa.
“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,” Rambaud said.
He added that the new warehouse facility completes a critical link in CEVA’s logistics chain, enabling a seamless flow of goods from global origin points into West African markets.
