He Port of Lekki LFTZ Enterprise Ltd. (LPLEL), developer of the Lekki Deepwater Port, says the port will boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Market (GDP) and facilitate trade volume.
LPLEL Managing Director Du Ruogang said this while addressing the media during the official inauguration of Lekki Port by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
He said the macroeconomic benefit of the port is huge.
Ruogang described the port as a turning point that would redefine maritime activities in Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region.
He highlighted other benefits to include; Improving the competitiveness of foreign trade through greater port efficiency, profitable port operations and services, and better response times for cargo handling and dispatch.
He also listed the benefits such as reduction of delays in the supply of raw materials and equipment, reduction of import costs and charges, such as stays, among others.
“With Lekki Port, Nigeria will witness growth in maritime traffic and global trade and strengthen connectivity and the ability to provide efficient and reliable services.
“Lekki Port will undoubtedly be a critical engine driving the Nigerian economy at the start of operations. I am equally confident that it will help bolster Nigeria’s status as a regional maritime hub and allow many related industries to flourish,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal, operated by CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of CMA CGM Group, Denrick Moos, said the facility will become a next-generation container terminal, a game-changing infrastructure in Nigeria and West Africa as well. of its state-of-the-art infrastructure.
“The port is the first deep-water port in Nigeria and is equipped with 13 quay cranes for a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) on a 1.2 kilometer quay with a depth of 16 meters, will operate vessels with a capacity of up to 15,000 TEU and become one of the largest in West Africa.
“Through the new container terminal at the port of Lekki, CMA CGM Group will further develop its presence in Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy and population, and the most important consumer market in West Africa, and consolidate your global African shipping and logistics network.
“Committed to supporting the supply chains of its customers in Nigeria and West Africa with a wide range of logistics and shipping solutions, CMA CGM Group is also involved in strengthening the region’s logistics and port infrastructures through significant investments. as a global port operator with its subsidiary CMA. Terminals,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the project is a great testament to his government’s commitment to supporting the provision of necessary infrastructure that would improve the economic fortunes of Lagos people by providing thousands of jobs. for people and impact their lives positively.
Lekki Port Chairman Biodun Dabiri expressed his deep appreciation to Chairman Buhari and his team for providing all the necessary support to ensure the project came to fruition.
He stressed that the port management is working 24 hours so that the port is operational soon.
“We owe much of this success to the visionary leadership of President Buhari, who provided much-needed support to bring the project to life, and we appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu and all other stakeholders for their role in the port upgrade. .
“For us, we will continue to be a willing partner in the quest to achieve significant economic growth through investment in Nigeria,” Dabiri said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is a joint venture owned by foreign developers, Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc (comprising China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. and Tolaram), the State Government of Lagos, and the Federal Government.
LPLEL is incorporated under the regime of the Business and Related Matters Law and is licensed by the Lagos Free Zone to operate in the Free Zone under the NEPZ Law. This opens up a number of benefits for the port of Lekki regarding taxes, duties and other incentives.
Lekki Port is a multi-purpose deep-water port in the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of the most modern ports, supporting the flourishing trade in Nigeria and the entire West African region. (YAYA)
