Lekki deep sea port is game changer for Nigeria’s economy – FG

Abiola Seun

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described Lekki Deep Sea Port as a game changer and pacesetter that will have an enormous impact on Nigeria’s economy, considering the number of job opportunities it would create when it becomes operational.

Alhaji Mohammed made this known when he visited the port site together with high ranking officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on Wednesday, 4th May, 2022.

The Honourable Minister stated that the project’s promoters have done exceedingly well going by the level of work done so far and the quality of world-class facilities that will be utilised at the port; adding that no port in Nigeria can boast of such first-class infrastructure.

“The facilities here will be first class. We will have seven Ship-to-Shore cranes and 21 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes. No port in Nigeria currently has this.

“The ultra-modern equipment would enable the port to deliver 18,000 TEUs per annum, which is more than four times the number our other ports can currently handle,” he said.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port, now at 89% completion ,will be completed and delivered in September, while commercial operations is expected to begin by December this year.

The Honourable Minister, who described the project as unprecedented ,noted that the commencement of operations at Lekki Port would not only help Nigeria regain its leadership position among its maritime neighbours but also serve as a significant boost to Nigeria’s quest to benefit from the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Alhaji Mohammed also disclosed that Lekki Port will contribute to Nigeria’s economic fortune as it is estimated to generate $158billion worth of both direct and induced business revenue as well as have a qualitative impact on the manufacturing, trade, and commercial services sector throughout the duration of the concession.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr. Du Ruogang lauded the Federal Government for the immense support that Lekki Port has received thus far.

He noted that Lekki Port has made significant progress in completing the construction of the port, having achieved critical milestones within the shortest possible time despite the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Mr. Ruogang assured the Honourable Minister and the other guests, that, Lekki Port and the EPC Contractor, China Habour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise are committed to ensuring that the port is delivered on schedule and becomes operational by December, 2022