CEVA Logistics, EFL Africa Launch Joint Venture to Boost Nigeria’s Logistics Sector
Global third-party logistics giant CEVA Logistics and EFL Africa have announced the launch of a joint venture in Nigeria, marking a significant move to strengthen logistics services, trade connectivity, and supply chain efficiency across West Africa.
The new entity, CEVA EFL Limited, combines CEVA Logistics’ extensive global network with EFL Africa’s strong local presence and operational expertise in Nigeria, creating what both companies describe as a strategic platform for delivering integrated and customer-focused logistics solutions.
The partnership is expected to deepen the companies’ footprint in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing logistics markets, while enhancing access to international markets for businesses operating within the country and the wider West African region.
In a joint statement announcing the development, the companies described Nigeria as a critical gateway to West Africa, noting that the venture would strengthen their position within the region’s logistics ecosystem and support growing demand for efficient supply chain solutions.
According to the companies, CEVA EFL will leverage CEVA Logistics’ presence in more than 170 countries alongside EFL’s established operations in Nigeria to provide seamless connectivity between Nigeria, West Africa, and global markets.
The joint venture will offer a broad range of logistics and customs solutions, including consolidated freight services, fast-tracked cargo movement, inland container depot operations, and customs clearance services.
A key feature of the venture is the deployment of dedicated barge operations to transport shipping containers from Lagos ports to Inland Container Depots (ICDs), reducing reliance on road transportation and significantly shortening cargo transit times.
The companies disclosed that the venture operates approximately 140,000 square metres of ICD infrastructure across Ikorodu and Apapa in Lagos, including an Export Processing Terminal (EPT) designed to facilitate export activities and improve trade efficiency.
In addition, customers will benefit from customs clearance services managed by a licensed in-house team, aimed at ensuring faster and more reliable cargo processing.
Speaking on the development, Vice President of Finance, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) at CEVA Logistics, Sylvain Kluba, described the partnership as a major step toward connecting Nigeria and West Africa more effectively to global markets.
“This joint venture represents a bold step forward in our commitment to connecting Nigeria and West Africa to the world. By combining CEVA’s global reach and logistics expertise with EFL’s deep local knowledge and infrastructure, CEVA EFL is uniquely positioned to deliver seamless and reliable solutions to customers. Together, we are creating a logistics ecosystem that drives growth and unlocks new opportunities in this high-potential market,” Kluba said.
Chief Executive Officer of EFL, Yemi Adunola, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to transform logistics operations in Nigeria and across the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with CEVA Logistics to launch CEVA EFL. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of transforming logistics in Nigeria and West Africa. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are not only addressing the challenges of this complex market but also creating value for customers through efficient, integrated and customer-focused solutions,” Adunola said.
He added that the partnership would contribute to economic growth by facilitating knowledge transfer, strengthening local capacity, and expanding access to world-class logistics services.
Industry analysts say the launch of CEVA EFL comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to improve trade facilitation, boost exports, and reduce logistics bottlenecks, particularly around its major seaports.
The venture is expected to play a key role in enhancing supply chain efficiency, supporting businesses involved in international trade, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub in West Africa.