The Federal Government has given the green light for the maintenance dredging of the Lekki Deep Seaport channel from its current 16.5 meters to 17 meters, with plans to reach 19 meters in depth.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, made this announcement during his maiden visit to the port.
Dantsoho noted that the rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting and positions the port as a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products.
The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
The NPA has syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging, which will enhance trade facilitation and grow Nigeria’s trade volumes.
The authority has also awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, a major requirement for international port and harbor navigation systems.
The NPA MD commended Lekki Port for its technology deployment, stating that it meets modern port requirements and will facilitate the deployment of the Port Community System, a precursor to the National Single Window.
He also noted that the technology will enable efficient port operations and boost trade.
Regarding Lekki Port’s request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD explained that many of the equipment the authority buys are dollarized, and reducing ship dues may impact the authority’s ability to purchase necessary equipment.
However, he noted that once the Single Window is deployed and port processes become paperless, revenue at the ports is expected to triple, potentially leading to a review of ship dues.
The NPA MD commended the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.
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