President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday arrived Lagos for a two-day visit where he commissioned what the Lagos state government described as a “Lagos Festival of Projects” commissioning beginning with the commissioning of the iconic $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport in Ibeju-Lekki region of the state.
President Buhari applauded the promoters of the project, affirming that the port will spur business activities and contribute significantly to the economy of Nigeria.
On his part, 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.
Sanwo-Olu expressed delighted 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.
On his part, 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.
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.
The world acclaimed deep sea port is bill to offer a competing edge to the country among other ports in West and Central Africa as the facility By its size and depth, the Lekki Deep Seaport is expected to be the game changer in West and Central Africa as the facility boost of over 600 meters of landmass taking a vessel of around 16,000 standard containers (TEU) and a channel of 11 km distance.
