The Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), the first private free trade zone linked to the deep-water port of Lekki in Nigeria, covers 860 hectares. This strategic hub offers modern infrastructure, tax incentives and a one-stop shop, making it a leading industrial centre for connecting businesses to regional and international markets.
The Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Nigeria’s first privately owned free zone backed by a deep-sea port, is emerging as a leading industrial and commercial hub in West Africa. Spanning 860 hectares in the heart of Lagos State, this strategic hub is directly connected to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, providing direct and privileged access to regional and international markets. With world-class infrastructure, attractive tax incentives and a one-stop shop simplifying administrative and commercial procedures, the free zone offers an ideal environment for manufacturing and trading companies.
“Covering 60 hectares dedicated to industrial activities, this site is a special economic zone located in Lagos, Nigeria. One of our major strategic advantages is our deep-sea port, currently operated by CMA, which is also established on the site. Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this port project brings together international investors, with Tolaram as the main developer and the government as a key partner.”
Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director of the Lagos Free Zone – Nigeria
Although the Lagos Free Zone’s overall turnover is not officially published, the Customs Service generated 408.87 billion naira in the first half of 2026. This represents an increase of 28.85% (+91.55 billion naira) compared with the 317.32 billion recorded in the first half of 2025. According to Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, this growth is driven by improved compliance, greater efficiency and the commitment of stakeholders in the free zones and at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
“What sets it apart is the dynamic collaboration between the private sector and two levels of government, both represented on the board of directors. This synergy has greatly accelerated the granting of regulatory approvals for the port complex through the support of public agencies. Engaged from the early stages, the public administration has encouraged direct consultations and ensured the implementation of an effective operational roadmap.”
Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director of the Lagos Free Zone – Nigeria
The attractiveness of the Lagos Free Zone largely rests on the “Green Channel”, a logistics corridor approved by the Nigerian Customs Service. This system enables the secure transfer of goods between the Lekki Port and the free zone within a few hours, reducing what used to be a process lasting several days. By eliminating demurrage charges and making the supply chain more reliable, the Lagos Free Zone is enhancing industrial competitiveness and promoting duty-free exports within the ECOWAS region.
“Government involvement in infrastructure development is essential. The private sector brings capital and technical expertise, but the State bears the responsibility. This partnership ensures sustainable and long-lasting projects, protected from political changes. Working together is crucial to success. Africa will be more connected, innovative and advanced if infrastructure is integrated into the heart of development, rather than being seen as an external element.”
Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director of the Lagos Free Zone – Nigeria
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, traditionally dominated by oil, the Lagos Free Zone is emerging as a strategic lever for attracting foreign investment and strengthening the country’s industrialisation. By improving connectivity and developing modern infrastructure, the initiative supported by the IFC marks a major step towards greater integration of Nigeria into global value chains.
