NPA gets Presidential approval for Lekki Deep Seaport’s designation as Customs port, approved wharf

Nigeria’s first and new deep seaport — the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos — has been designated as the Customs Port and Approved Wharf.

Persecondnews reports that the Management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) secured the approval following a formal request to the Presidency.

The NPA had written a letter through the Ministry of Transportation seeking expedited presidential approval for the port to be gazzetted as a Customs Port and Approved Wharf in line with the requirements of the law and in keeping with its promise of ensuring the operational take off for berthing of commercial vessels at the Lekki Deep Seaport before the end of 2022.

With President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval, all is set for commercial vessels from across the world to berth and clear cargo at the deep sea port and first fully automated port.

The NPA CEO/Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko had on July 1, 2022 while receiving the first vessel to berth at the Lekki Deep Seaport , said “the commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to providing every support necessary to place Nigeria on the global list of countries with Deep Seaports is unflinching.”

“This is why matters related to the operationalization of Lekki Deep Seaport before the end of this year have been placed on top priority”.

The Federal Government’s commitment to a renewed export orientation and the readiness of the NPA to take trade facilitation a notch higher has received a boost with the Deep Seaport designation.