$1.5bn Lekki dredging to deepen beyond 16.5 metres – FG

The Nigerian government has disclosed the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport dredging and maintenance would be deeper from 16.5 metres to 17metres in the first instance as it targets 19 meters depth.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho during a maiden visit to the port in company of other management staff of NPA, urging the Lekki Port to consolidate transshipment volumes to landlocked neighboring countries.

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The MD said the increase in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting, stressing that the capacity of Lekki’s port to berth super post-panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.

According to him, it was the efficiency of the port that was driving constant increases in transshipment numbers, thereby meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale, adding that the development fuels competitiveness.

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Unlike the past, the revenue from the port activities was boosting foreign exchange inflows and contributes greatly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy.

Dantsoho expressed the belief that the export figures will rise, while the export volume is doubling or tripling in the nearest future, while affirming the commitment of the Port Authority management to do its professional best with support of the Federal Government to ensure that the revenue and work volumes continue to increase.

“So what are we doing to ensure that this trend continues? We are doing about five things. Now, number one, 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.

“This is something that we have been working towards, something that we’ve been discussing for almost two or three years. And finally, we give God the glory that it has happened.

“We have also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation”.

But because we wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger in a concerted bid to grow Nigeria’s trade volumes”.

The MD said, the Lekki Port is well automated with the latest technology in place to drive activities of the port.

On automation of the port, he said: “Now, the other thing I want to mention is the automation issue that you have raised. Now, luckily for you, and most likely because you are the most current or the latest port that we have in Nigeria, it is expected naturally that all those things that are required for a modern port should be here. Lekki Port is up to date with the technologies and we are very happy about that.

“The technology that is here will be part of the main requirements for the deployment of the port community system, which is a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.

“We are hoping that other port locations or other terminals will very soon also have 100 percent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it would not be an issue. So I really appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”

On channel survey, the NPA MD explained that the contract has been awarded.
“We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is also a major requirement of the international port and harbour and navigation systems.
“This will give us more optimisation in the area of channel management around Lekki Port.”

On Lekki Port request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD explained that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are dollarised.

“We keep buying Navigational Bouys, Tug Boats and otherd to ensure efficiency in port operations across the country. Because many of the things that we buy are dolariser, in as much as it’s necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to government, Lekki Port should also know that we need to have more money to be able to buy more of these things and also ensure that personnel who are running them are also well paid.

“When the Single window is finally deployed, and 95 percent of port processes become paperless, the revenue at the ports will triple. Electronic transaction will completely or near completely eliminate unreceipted payments in our ports.

“When this happens, it is believed that we are going to make more money. At that point, I think NPA will look at the possibility of bringing down the Ship Dues.”

The NPA MD also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remains unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.

Speaking earlier, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD.

“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,” the Lekki Port MD stated.

The NPA MD also paid a visit to the $19.5bn Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, and met Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

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