Federal Government has given the green light for the dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport channel.
Gatekeepers News reports that the project, according to Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), aims to increase the port’s depth from 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with a long-term target of 19 meters.
“We have 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,” Dantsoho announced during his maiden visit to the port.
The NPA boss emphasised that the port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transhipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting the authority’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
“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,” he stated.
Dantsoho also commended the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance, adding that the NPA remains committed to providing every support and facilitation necessary to ensure the optimization of the port.
“With enhanced competitiveness comes increased demand, which ultimately grows FOREX inflow into the country,” he noted.
