To maintain its competitive edge, transshipment status in West and Central Africa as well as to continue receiving Post Panamax vessels, the federal government has given the nod for the maintenance dredging of the $1.5bn Lekki Deep seaport channel from its present 16.5metres to 17 metres in the first instance as it targets 19 metres depth.
Disclosing this over the weekend during his maiden visit to Lekki Port, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, urged Lekki Port to consolidate transshipment volumes to landlocked neighbouring countries.
According to Dantsoho, the efficiency of the deep seaport is driving a steady increase in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
“The rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to us. Lekki’s capacity 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.
“The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale. This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy.
“So it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures, and we hope that the export volumes are going to double or even triple in the near future. And because of that, we have to still reaffirm our commitment as NPA management to do what we can do within our powers and with the support of the Federal Government to ensure that this trend, this beautiful throughput trend you have shown us, continues to grow and increase,” he stated.
According to him, “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, I think that’s a clear indication of how serious and how supportive we can get when it comes to issues of Lekki Port.”
On automation, the NPA MD stated that, technology at Lekki Port will be part of the main requirements for the deployment of the port community system, a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.
“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 per cent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it will not be an issue. So I appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”
On the channel survey, the NPA MD explained that, the contract had been awarded, saying, “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.”
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