The Nigerian government has disclosed the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport dredging and maintenance would be increased to 17 metres from 16.5 metres at the beginning, 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 the company of other management staff of NPA, urging the Lekki Port to consolidate transhipment volumes to landlocked neighbouring countries.

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 transhipment numbers, thereby meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale, adding that the development fuels competitiveness.

Unlike in the past, the revenue from the port activities was boosting foreign exchange inflows and contributed 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 double or triple in the near future while affirming the commitment of the Port Authority management to do its professional best with the 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.