Ukraine Embarks on Landmark Project to Establish a Grain Terminal at Nigeria’s Lekki Port

In the aftermath of the catastrophic damage to its food export terminals, the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food has embarked on a pivotal international collaboration with Lagos Free Zone, a notable venture of the Tolaram Group. The cooperation seeks to facilitate the construction of a new grain terminal at the strategic Lekki port in Nigeria. The ambitious project emerges from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the parties involved, marking a critical step in the restoration of Ukraine’s food export capabilities and its commitment to global food security.

Before its recent turmoil, Ukraine had positioned itself as the world’s premier exporter and producer of wheat. However, the invasion by Russia not only shattered its geopolitical stability but also gravely impacted its agricultural sector, particularly the infrastructure related to grain exports.

A ray of hope was seen at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in London last Friday, where a pivotal MoU was signed. As reported by a Ukrainian media outlet quoting the ministry’s press service, this critical document lays the foundation for a robust grain terminal in Nigeria, a key strategic partner.

At the helm of this significant development was the Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotsky. He represented the Ukrainian side in the signing of the MoU, underscoring the importance of this cooperation.

The strategic alliance between the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the Lagos Free Zone signals a concerted effort towards building the necessary infrastructure to guarantee seamless supplies of Ukrainian agricultural products. The main beneficiaries are not just limited to Nigeria but extend to the entire African continent, with a particular focus on the regions with the most critical food security needs.

Vysotsky, speaking about the future of Ukraine’s agrarian sector, emphasised its continued importance in guaranteeing international food security, especially considering the ongoing global population surge.

The chosen site for the new grain terminal, Lekki Deep Sea Port, holds a unique position in Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. This fully automated port is the result of a collaborative initiative involving the Nigerian government, Lagos state, the Singapore-based Tolaram Group, owner of the Lagos Free Zone, and the China Harbor Engineering Company. The state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal location for the proposed grain terminal, which once completed, is poised to facilitate Ukraine’s resurgence as a key player in the global agricultural sector.