Lekki Port: Minister seeks commencement of operations by 2022

The Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi has urged the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited and other stakeholders to work tirelessly, to ensure that the Port becomes operational by mid 2022.

Amaechi stated this on Saturday during an inspection visit to the Port by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other government agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He expressed great satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

“I am very delighted and impressed with the pace and the progress of construction work on this project from the last time I was here in November 2020. The promoter of the project-Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited has demonstrated strong commitment and capacity to deliver the project as agreed,”Amaechi said.

Briefing the Minister and his entourage on the status of construction of the Port, the Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr Abiodun Dabiri said that ”the entire port construction is now at 55.48% completion.”

Giving a further breakdown of the status of the components of the port, Mr Dabiri explained that dredging and reclamation has reached 61,11%, Quay Wall 50.39%, Breakwater 67.49% while the landside infrastructure development has reached 33.70% completion.

He assured the Minister and the stakeholders that the project is on course and going according to schedule.

Mr Dabiri stated that at the end of third quarter (Q3) 2022, the company would complete the construction work while commercial operations would commence by fourth quarter (Q4) 2022 as planned.

“We understand the significance of this project is to the Nigerian economy and we would not fail to play our part to ensure that it is delivered as and when due,” he said.

The Chairman expressed profound appreciation of the company to the Minister and his team for providing the necessary support that has assisted the company to deliver on the mandate for the project.

He stressed further that upon completion, Lekki Port would be a world-class Port operating with best in class equipment to ensure seamless operations and would comply with global environmental protection standard.

Mr Dabiri added that Lekki Port as the deepest seaport in the sub-Saharan African region, would serve as transshipment hub for the region.

Also speaking during the visit, the Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko said that ”the Nigerian Port Authority is ready to play its part to ensure smooth take off of port operations upon completion of construction.”

He disclosed that NPA has commenced the process of acquiring all necessary marine equipment including tug boats and mooring boats.

The delegation that accompanied the Minister on the inspection visit were; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT), Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shipper’s Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh.

Mercy Chukwudiebere