President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, pledging that the federal government would give the needed support to the project.

Mr Buhari who was represented by his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, said the project would become one of the largest sea ports in the region, and serve as a hub for port operations in the whole of West Africa.

According to him, the project, once completed, is designed to influence the generation of up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs in the economy.

“It is a landmark project for several reasons — the promoters of this project are targeting, we are told, about 1.5 million TEUs (Twenty Equivalent Units) container capacity annually, which they expect to grow to about 2.7 million and 4.7 million TEUs when the project commences.

”With this feat, this sea port will become one of the largest in our region and serve as a hub for ports operations in the whole of West Africa.

”There is no question at all that the project will be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and possibly, the largest in Africa.

”I’m also told that the promoters also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16metres draft, which is not currently obtainable in any sea port or any port for that matter in the country.

”This, in itself, is an indication that ships of larger sizes will now be able to visit the port, and greater efficiency and economies of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with government earning a significant portion of it,” he said.

According to him, a second reason why it is a landmark event is with respect to the government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and its emphasis on supporting game changing infrastructure projects directed at making major impact on trade and commerce.

”We are developing the Lekki Special Economic Zone as a model special economic zone, specifically targeting exports. The development of this deep sea port is mission-critical to the achievement of the important objective of creating this special economic zone.

”So, the third reason is the commitment of our economic philosophy to private sector leadership of our economic development.

”This project is essentially private sector driven — the Toleram Group and China Harbour are of course the lead private sector participants in this project.

”And like we have heard, their commitment to this project is total. I commend them for driving this project this far.

”The Nigerian Ports Authority and the Lagos State Government are the public sector partners. The business of government is, in our view, to contribute by way of equity when necessary to project of this size, but more importantly, to create the enabling environment for the private sector.

”Let me say that we must move ahead to ensure the speedy completion of this project. There would be problems as I’m sure you must have experienced some. But be assured that the Federal Government and the Lagos State government will be with you every step of the way to ensure that we give all the support that is required, ” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos Sate, represented by his deputy, Idiat Adebule said that the Lekki port was a golden egg waiting to positively impact in the economy

Mr Ambode said the project was a testimony of government’s commitment to growing the economy and aligning the country with the industrialised countries in the world.

”Data shows that the maritime industry has the potential of becoming a major revenue to the GDP of Nigeria.

”This port when delivered in 2020 will have modern features that will ease pressure on Apapa and Tincan port as it has capacity to berth larger vessels. This port will impact greatly on the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

”This journey started in 2007 and has been pursued with doggedness. The Lagos State government has equity stake of 20 per cent in the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

”This is a show of our faith in the viability and our trust in the capability of the Toloram group to deliver the project. This project will have great impact on our local, national and international economies.

”It has been estimated that this project will facilitate an injection of 2.23 billion U.S dollars for construction and fixed assets into the country. This projected to over a 45-year concessioning period have an aggregate impact of about 3.61 billion U.S dollars on the Nigerian economy,” he said.

Mr Ambode called for more private investment to complement the provision of infrastructure, saying the government could not bear the cost alone.

He also solicited for the support of the federal government in all ramification to partner in the project.

In his remarks, Navin Nahata, CEO Lekki Sea Port, one of the promoters of the project, said the project had demonstrated that Nigeria is an investment destination.

He promised to put in all efforts to deliver the project by 2020.

(NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/263444-nigerian-govt-will-give-needed-support-to-lekki-deep-sea-port-project-buhari.html

Front page: lalasticlala mynd44

Dagote refinery by 2019 then port by 2020. The plans coming together nicely.

awa yeast side blodas would soon arrive ,watch

bamidelee:
awa yeast side blodas would soon arrive ,watch

This thread is deceased even trolling can't raise it unless it's really dank.

Thank PMB. We're solidly behind you. We need more projects in South west. That's is all.

Blue3k:
Dagote refinery by 2019 then port by 2020. The plans coming together nicely.

Once all these projects come on board, our developer brothers will rush out to claim credit.

How many times will they flag off the construction? Propaganda no dey pay.

seunmsg:


Once all these projects come on board, our developer brothers will rush out to claim credit.

Don't worry they'll save breath for Ibom deep seaport when ever it's ready. Remember it's their efforts that brought it together. The blood of IPOB and illuminati sacrifice of Nnamdi Kanu. Moment of silence please.

I still don't understand how any fool will envy Lagos despite all the opportunities it provides for Nigerians of all works of life, when some of us who are not from the SW praise Tinubu it is because he has provided a rear type of leadership that has ensured that Lagos state grows from strength to strength.

Blue3k:
Dagote refinery by 2019 then port by 2020. The plans coming together nicely.

The refinery won't be ready for at least next 5 years. Quote me.

Only one state having it all, that is not good for a serious country that want to develop.

usba:
I still don't understand how any fool will envy Lagos despite all the opportunities it provides for Nigerians of all works of life, when some of us who are not from the SW praise Tinubu it is because he has provided a rear type of leadership that has ensured that Lagos state grows from strength to strength.

A serious country should channel development to all parts of the country, South Africa have more than 10 standard functional ports and 6 standard international airport covering the whole country.

Lagos is only one state in Nigeria, developmental project like seaport and functional international airport should be extended to the eastern Nigeria and inland waterway should be extended to Kaduna and Onitcha for inland ports.

Nigerian leaders don't have a mindset to develop Nigeria, rather is a country of tribal inequality and people boasting that they have it all while others must have none.

Odingo1:

A serious country should channel development to all parts of the country, South Africa have more than 10 standard functional ports and 6 standard international airport covering the whole country.

Lagos is only one state in Nigeria, developmental project like seaport and functional international airport should be extended to the eastern Nigeria and inland waterway should be extended to Kaduna and Onitcha for inland ports.

Nigerian leaders don't have a mindset to develop Nigeria, rather is a country of tribal inequality and people boasting that they have it all while others must have none.

The Lekki deep sea port project is a partnership between Lagos state and private investors. The NPA is part of the deal simply because they have to be in charge of all ports in the country by law. If Kaduna or Onitsha desires a port in their domain, the relevant state government should also seek a PPP arrangement like Lagos. Nobody is stopping them.

bmxshop:


The refinery won't be ready for at least next 5 years. Quote me.

Ok noted. Just out of curiosity what would be the reason for the delay.

seunmsg:


The Lekki deep sea port project is a partnership between Lagos state and private investors. The NPA is part of the deal simply because they have to be in charge of all ports in the country by law. If Kaduna or Onitsha desires a port in their domain, the relevant state government should also seek a PPP arrangement like Lagos. Nobody is stopping them.

You are on point sir!

Eko o ni baje.

Blue3k:


Ok noted. Just out of curiosity what would be the reason for the delay.

My Brother the work done though massive, represents only about 7.5% of total work to be done. You need to see to believe. I have a contract there.

[s]

Odingo1:

A serious country should channel development to all parts of the country, South Africa have more than 10 standard functional ports and 6 standard international airport covering the whole country.

Lagos is only one state in Nigeria, developmental project like seaport and functional international airport should be extended to the eastern Nigeria and inland waterway should be extended to Kaduna and Onitcha for inland ports.

Nigerian leaders don't have a mindset to develop Nigeria, rather is a country of tribal inequality and people boasting that they have it all while others must have none.

[/s]

No one pays attention to this oft repeated lie about how government has marginalized you or they have witheld development when in fact you allow your useless governors act like small gods who are beyond reproach.