Lekki Deep Seaport to Commence Operations on 16th of September, 2022

The much anticipated Lekki Deep Seaport situated around the Lekki corridor is scheduled to begin operation on Friday, 16th of September, 2022. 

Investors King gathered that the multipurpose seaport built in the Lekki Free Trade Zone when operational will be one of the largest in West Africa. 

In July, Lekki Seaport took delivery of 3 Super Post Panamax Ships to Shore (STS) Cranes and 10 Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) and also witnessed the arrival of the first vessel to berth at the port. This development was celebrated as a milestone ahead of the commencement of port operation.

The port is designed to be one of the most modern to support the economic activities of Lagos State and by extension, Nigeria. The seaport is also expected to serve neighbouring countries such as Chad, Niger Republic and as far as Mali. 

The construction of the port was undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company at a value of about $2 billion. It has a tripartite ownership of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and Private Investors. 

The port Managing Director, Du Ruogang, disclosed that when the port begin operation, it would create about 169,972 jobs, while revenue to state and federal agencies from taxes, royalties and duties would amount to about $201 billion.

In addition, Lekki Deep Seaport is strategic to the operation of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited. Both monumental projects are situated within Lekki Free Trade Zone. The seaport will also help to decongest Apapa Wharf. 

It will be recalled that Lekki Deep Seaport was conceived during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo while at the time, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State. It has thereafter passed through different administrations.

No doubt, the successful completion of the seaport will stimulate and enhance both the importation and exportation of goods within Nigeria as well as West Africa.