The Federal Government has approved the maintenance dredging of the 1.5 billion dollar Lekki Deep seaport channel depth from its present 16.5 metres to 17 metres in the first instance, as it targets 19 meters in the future.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho disclosed this over the weekend during his maiden visit to Lekki port in the company of senior management staff of the Authority.
Dantsoho urged the management of the Lekki Port to consolidate transshipment volumes to landlocked neighboring countries, noting that the rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to the NPA.
According to him, Lekki Port’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 further stated: “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. This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy
“So it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures and we hope that the export volume is going to double or even triple in the nearest future. And because of that, we have to still reaffirm our commitment as NPA management to do what we can possibly do within our own powers and with the support of the Federal Government to ensure that this trend, this beautiful throughput trend you have shown us, continues to grow and increase.
“So what are we doing to ensure that this trend continues? We are doing about five things. Now, number one, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the Nigerian Port Authority has 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. And finally, we give God the glory that it has happened.
“We have also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation”. But because we wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger in a concerted bid to grow Nigeria’s trade volumes. So I think that’s a clear indication of how serious and how supportive we can get when it comes to issues of Lekki Port.”
Commenting on the issue of automation, the NPA MD said: “Now, the other thing I want to mention is the automation issue that you have raised. Now, luckily for you, and most likely because you are the most current or the latest port that we have in Nigeria, it is expected naturally that all those things that are required for a modern port should be here. Lekki Port is up to date with the technologies and we are very happy about that.
“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. We are hoping that other port locations or other terminals will very soon also have 100 percent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it would not be an issue. So I really appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”
On channel survey, Dantsoho explained that the contract has been awarded. “We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is also a major requirement of the international port and harbour and navigation systems. This will give us more optimisation in the area of channel management around Lekki Port.”
Speaking on Lekki Port’s request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD highlighted that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are dollarised.
“We keep buying Navigational Buoys, Tug Boats and others to ensure efficiency in port operations across the country. Because many of the things that we buy are dollarised, in as much as it’s necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to government, Lekki Port should also know that we need to have more money to be able to buy more of these things and also ensure that personnel who are running them are also well paid.
“When the Single window is finally deployed, and 95 percent of port processes become paperless, the revenue at the ports will triple. Electronic transaction will completely or near completely eliminate unreceipted payments in our ports. When this happens, it is believed that we are going to make more money. At that point, I think NPA will look at the possibility of bringing down the Ship Dues.”
The NPA boss also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and its unwavering commitment in providing necessary support to optimise the port’s potential.
Speaking earlier, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD.
“We wish to request for an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, to enhance port competitiveness.
“Provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, amongst others,” Qiang stated.
