Lekki Deep Sea Port, model for other deep seaports in Nigeria - Bello Koko

By Abiodun OBA

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday described the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a model for other deep seaports and most modern port in the country that accommodates bigger vessels and cargoes.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, said this at the official inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port by President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos.

“This will be a model for other deep seaports in Nigeria and I say congratulations to the investors and the project delivery team, the Lekki Port management team for a job well done,” he said.

Bello-Koko also appreciated President Muhammed Buhari for the necessary approval and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for making the project a reality.

“Recall that the port has been in the drawing board for over 10 years, four years ago when we came here it was just a sand-filled area.

“Today, we are talking about the commissioning, and we thank the president for the approval given to make this happen,” he said.

He noted that the Lekki Deep Port was just the beginning of greater things in the sector.

Bello-Koko said that the NPA as the regulator would be responsible for providing marine services and others needed to ensure seamless service delivery.

Also, Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, said that Nigeria had seen the emergency of one of the best ports in West Africa.

“Today, we are seeing the realisation of the commissioning of the best port in African that is expected to inject not less than $360 billion and provide employment to not less than 190,000 Nigerians.

“Secondly, we have seen dedication and political will on this project. This project commenced and started by this administration with sincerity of purpose,” Jamoh said.

Also in his contribution, Mr Emmanuel Jime, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, noted that he was glad to witness the delivery of what would be the game-changer in the maritime industry.

Jime congratulated the Federal Ministry of Transportation and all the stakeholders involved in the delivery of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

The Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Mr Tang Qiaoliang, noted that the port would improve the Nigerian port industry, ease burden of cargo shipment flow, create employment, and promote international trade.

“As an international top-tier engineering contractor, investment operator, urban developer and ecological manager, CHEC insists to its philosophy ‘value-orientation’, commits itself to upgrading of ‘platform plus industrial leading’ strategy.

“With such strategy, we see the opportunity in Nigeria, and believe in its potential. So, we committed the adequate financial investment and essential technology, together with Nigerians in the construction and operation of the port.

“Under the framework of the China Africa Forum and the Belt and Road Initiative, we look forward to establishing a long-term strategic partnership, in the infrastructure sector with the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Oiaoliang said.

He noted that the project would deepen the bilateral trade and cooperation between Nigeria and China.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is a joint venture enterprise owned by foreign promoters, Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc (comprising China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. and Tolaram), the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government.

LPLEL is incorporated under the Companies & Allied Matters Act regime and licensed by the Lagos Free Zone to operate in the Free Zone under the NEPZ Act. This opens a host of benefits for Lekki Port regarding taxes, duties, and other incentives.

The Lekki Port is a multi-purpose Deep Sea Port at the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of the most modern ports, supporting the burgeoning trade across Nigeria and the entire West African region.

The shareholders of this visionary project are the NPA, the Lagos State Government, China Harbour Engineering Company, and Tolaram.