By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has approved a major upgrade to the Lekki Deep Seaport, investing $1.5 billion to deepen the channel from 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with plans to reach 19 meters depth.
According to Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the upgrade will enhance the port’s efficiency and competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.
“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the Nigerian Port Authority has gotten the approval for the dredging of the channel at Lekki Port,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA has partnered with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging. “We have also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with CHEC to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation,” Dantsoho added.
The Lekki Port MD, Wang Qiang, has requested policy support, saying, “We wish to request for an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, to enhance port competitiveness. Provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, amongst others.”
Dantsoho, accompanied by senior management staff, including Vivian Richard-Edet, Executive Director Finance & Administration, and Abiodun Dabiri, Board Chairman of Lekki Port, commended the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance.
The development is expected to boost export volumes and contribute to the national economy.
Dantsoho also paid a visit to the $19.5 billion Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, meeting Aliko Dangote.
