Lekki Port To Buoy Nigeria’s Economy With $361 Billion In 45 Years
By Abimbola Abdullahi
As President Mohammadu Buhari flags off the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport today, the Federal Government is optimistic that the facility would have aggregate impact of about $361 Billion on Nigeria’s economy in the next 45 years.
Lekki port, designed to be the largest, most modern and deepest seaport in West Africa, is expected to reduce the congestion in Apapa and TinCan Island ports, and generate about 170,000 jobs for Nigerians.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the project as the biggest infrastructure in the whole of West Africa, saying it would surely generate thousands of jobs in the country.
He expressed joy that the execution of the project which took off under Buhari’s administration was completed during his tenure.
“We are indeed excited that the project execution started during your regime and it is now completed during your tenure,” he said.
Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, said: “For us a the NPA, this is a dream come true because Lekki Deep Sea Port will be the deepest and most modern port in Nigeria with a depth of about 16.5 meters as it will be able to bring in bigger vessels and more cargoes so therefore economics of scale would set in and we believe that the cost of doing business in this country will be lower compared to other countries.
“It will also provide employment opportunities and it will be more efficient. It will also be a model for other upcoming deep sea ports in Nigeria.
“The NPA will be the regulator and we will be responsible for provide marine services. We have already gone ahead to purchase the necessary equipment that will ensure safe and secured berthing of vessels in this port.
“While sitting here we already have interest from a certain neighboring country that is already talking about moving their cargoes from Lekki to Kano then to the African country because they have seen the opportunity of smooth operations and the efficiency here,” he said.
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, said today, we have seen the emergence of one of the best ports in Africa.
He said maritime industry is one of the key areas needed to pursue the development of Nigerian economy.
Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime promised to strictly monitor the efficiency and ensure quality of services that will be delivered at the port.
Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), Tang Qiaoliang, said: “Lekki Port is the first deep sea port in Nigeria, a major trade hub in West Africa. It will improve the Nigerian port industry, easing the burden of cargo shipment flow, creating employments, and ultimately promote international trade in the nation,”
He said the company saw the opportunity in Nigeria, and believe in its potential. “So we committed the adequate financial investments and essential technology, together with Nigerians in the construction and operation of the port,”
Chairman Tolaram, Mr. Mohan Vaswani, said: “This Port being completed and commissioned is an important milestone for Tolaram and Nigeria and we are proud of our humble efforts to develop a world-class port in Nigeria.
“This significant milestone will definitely increase the economic well-being of Nigeria and its people and that is the most important thing,” he said.
Lekki Port is a multipurpose deep sea port at the heart of the Lagos Free Zone. Lekki Port is poised to be the most modern and deepest seaport in West Africa, offering critical support to burgeoning commercial operations in Lagos State, across Nigeria and the entire West African region.
Phase 1 of the multipurpose Port covers an area of 50 hectares, with two container berths and a total capacity of 1.2 million TEUs annually.
Upon completion of the final phase, the port will have three container berths, one dry bulk berth and three liquid berths.
The approach channel is about 11km long and 16.5m deep. The main breakwater is 1.9km long and will accommodate a corridor for liquid transport to and from the liquid berths.
The three liquid berths will service ships up to 160,000 DWT. The turning circle, which will have a diameter of approximately 600m, will be sufficient to handle 18,000 TEU vessels.
Tug boats will assist in the moving of the various vessels. Equipped with the latest super- post Panamax, ship-to-shore cranes and rubber-tyred-gantry cranes, the layout will ensure that the Port will be a modern, efficient facility.
The shareholding structure of the port is as follows: The Lekki Port Investment Holding Inc. (international consortium) owns 75% (China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd 52.50%, Tolaram 22.5%), the Lagos State Government owns 20% while Nigerian Ports Authority owns 5%.
