A major boost for Nigeria’s maritime sector is underway, as the Federal Government has authorized the maintenance dredging of the Lekki Deep Seaport channel, deepening it from 16.5 meters to 17 meters.
Future plans aim for an even greater depth of 19 meters.
This pivotal announcement was made by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), during his recent maiden visit to Lekki Port, reports Persecondnews.
Dr. Dantsoho underscored the rising throughput volume at the port and its unique ability to handle super post-Panamax vessels with swift cargo and vessel turnaround.
He believed these capabilities are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s export competitiveness, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to gain traction.
“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 is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness,” he said.
The NPA MD also reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Lekki Port.
“We have syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation.”
Additionally, Dantsoho disclosed that the NPA has awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, a major requirement for international port and harbor navigation systems.
On automation, the NPA MD said Lekki Port is up to date with the latest technologies, which will facilitate the deployment of the Port Community System, a precursor to the National Single Window.
“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,” he said.
The Lekki Port MD, Wang Qiang, presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD, including an adjustment of the tariff structure to reflect service costs and inflation, and provision of night pilotage services to enable 24/7 operations.
Responding, the NPA CEO said the authority is open to discussing these requests, but noted that the reduction in ship dues may not be feasible at the moment due to the need to maintain and upgrade port equipment.
Dantsoho also commended the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.
The NPA MD’s visit to the Lekki Port was part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s maritime infrastructure and facilitate trade.
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