Lekki Deep Seaport reaches 81% completion stage—Koko
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko has revealed that the Lekki Deep Seaport, which has reached 81 percent completion stage.
Sharing with his audience plans by the Authority to position Nigerian seaports as the preferred destination of cargo in the region, Bello Koko said the ‘’Nigerian Ports Authority has led the campaign for the actualization of the first of its kind,.
According to him, the new port is expected to commence in the last quarter of this year. “The Lekki Deep Seaport is designed to be the deepest port in West Africa and will be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime economy. This multi-purpose port is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs when completed, ” he said.
Furthermore, to encourage quick and easy processing of imports, the Authority has began the implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) in conjunction with sister agencies, engender transparency, efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business at the port. The manual outlines the harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Agencies operating in the maritime industry.
Koko emphasised that NPPM would foster a very conducive environment for port users, streamline inspection and examination of cargo, check exploitation and corrupt tendencies by service providers, among other benefits.
He commended the organisers of the fair for putting up another successful event. “I am highly excited that Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has continued to provide the platform for entrepreneurs to network and thrive”, he said.
He charged the Kaduna Chambers of Commerce and Industry to brace up for the digital economy, while urging the Chamber to join in the campaign to market the economic benefits of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) to the business community in the State. The dry port facility will help bring shipping services closer to business owners and residents of Kaduna, as it can handle both import and export cargoes, he added.
In his welcome remarks, President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu described NPA as the artery of the nation’s economy, in view of its strategic role in trade facilitation and providing access for businesses to trade across International borders. He acknowledged that Nigeria recently signed an agreement that would enhance the flow of goods between Nigeria and Chad.
Aliyu, represented by Surveyor Ishaya Idi, Vice President of the Chamber, commended the Authority for its steadfastness and contribution to the growth of the Chamber, just as he expressed his organization’s desire to sustain the robust collaboration with the custodian of the nation’s gateway.
