The federal government says it has concluded plans to embark on the maintenance dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Seaport channel from its present 16.5 metres to 17 metres in the first instance, and thereafter 19 metres depth.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, over the weekend, saying that “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”.
According to him, the port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transhipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
However, he said this enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy.
He stated that “it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures, and we hope that the export volume will double or even triple shortly. And because of that, we still have to 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.
“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 Ports 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 agreed that it is your company, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), that is going to do the dredging. CHEC is going to be the contractor for the dredging project. On a normal day, NPA would have used Lagos Channel Management (LCM), which is our joint venture company, where we are in control of 60 per cent of the equity. But because we wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger, we accepted the idea that CHEC can go ahead and do the dredging,” he explained.
The NPA MD also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remaining unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimise 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 an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, a 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.
