Nigeria’s logistics industry is on track to surpass $15 billion by 2030, yet the market still battles decades-old challenges around infrastructure, reliability, and operational efficiency. For Arno Van Der Merwe, CEO of TY Logistics Park FZE, the solution lies in precision-built logistics assets and systems capable of matching global best practices. In this interview-style report, he explains why logistics is now a major economic enabler in West Africa and how the company plans to redefine standards across the region.
A Region of 400 Million People and Rising Demand for Efficient Logistics
“enormous,” Van Der Merwe describes the West African market as “enormous,” driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, and expanding regional manufacturing. Nigeria, as the continent’s largest consumer market, naturally sits at the heart of this demand. According to him, logistics has become “one of the most strategic enablers of economic growth,” especially as companies scale exports in agro-processing, FMCG, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce.
He notes that major economic hubs, particularly in Lagos, are transforming the logistics landscape. Over $15 billion in cumulative investment has already flowed into the Lekki Free Zone, Alaro City, the Lekki Deep Seaport, and several connecting highways and new aviation infrastructure. These developments, he argues, are turning the corridor into West Africa’s most critical trade zone.
Cross-border trade also continues to rise, with the Nigeria Customs Service reporting a 34% year-on-year increase in early 2025, evidence that demand is expanding faster than supply. Yet, Nigeria’s logistics sector still faces reliability issues, cargo delays, and infrastructural inefficiencies that limit competitiveness.
Building World-Class Infrastructure for Manufacturers, FMCGs, and Exporters
This operational gap is what TY Logistics Park FZE says it is built to fill. The firm positions itself as the largest and only free zone-based Grade-A contract logistics hub in West Africa. It’s 29,000 sqm of warehousing, 45,000 pallet positions, and a fully digital Warehouse Management System (WMS) set it apart from traditional operators.
Van Der Merwe emphasizes three core differentiators: long-term Nigerian ownership, international-grade facilities, and systems-led operations. Unlike many logistics projects that deteriorate due to inconsistent investment, he says TY Logistics Park FZE is designed for durability, scalability, and compliance. The park provides temperature-controlled units, cross-docking facilities, electric MHE, and sustainability-focused design.
He explains that Nigerian manufacturers and importers often face cargo dwell times of 18–21 days, compared to 5–7 days in Ghana and 4 days in Cotonou. Such delays disrupt inventory planning, cash flow, and competitiveness. Operating inside the Lekki Free Zone gives TY Logistics Park FZE clients immediate advantages, including faster customs clearance, duty-free storage, and seamless import–export operations.
Beyond infrastructure, Van Der Merwe says the company is bringing end-to-end visibility, automated compliance documentation, real-time inventory tracking, and an integrated digital ecosystem that mirrors global supply chain hubs in Dubai and Europe.
“Our role is to remove the friction that has historically slowed down trade in the region,” he says.
Driving West Africa’s Next Phase of Industrial Growth
Set to be officially launched on December 8, 2025, the company is targeting an annual throughput of 500,000 to 1,000,000 metric tonnes within its first three years. It aims to become the benchmark for contract logistics in West Africa, unlocking supply chain efficiency for regional manufacturers, e-commerce operators, distributors, and exporters.
Van Der Merwe expects the company’s operations to strengthen Nigeria’s diversification drive, support AfCFTA ambitions, and reduce the cost of doing business, especially as shipping lines impose congestion surcharges of up to $450 per container on Lagos-bound cargo.
TY Logistics Park FZE’s leadership team also brings experience from similar international-grade logistics projects in Kenya and South Africa, positioning the company to execute at a global operational standard while remaining committed to long-term Nigerian growth.
