By Raheem Ibrahim<\/b><\/p>\n
In a bid to enhance Nigeria\u2019s export competitiveness, the Federal Government has approved the maintenance dredging of the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport channel\u2014from its current depth of 16.5 metres to 17 metres initially, with a target depth of 19 metres.<\/p>\n
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during his maiden visit to the port over the weekend. He said, \u201cThe rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to us. Lekki\u2019s capacity to berth super post-Panamax vessels and ensure rapid cargo and vessel turnaround is a game-changer for Nigeria\u2019s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dantsoho, who was accompanied by senior management staff of the NPA, urged the Lekki Port management to consolidate its transshipment volumes to landlocked neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n
According to him, \u201cThe port\u2019s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA\u2019s goal of achieving economies of scale. This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria\u2019s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cIt is very pleasing to note the rising export figures, and we hope that the export volume will double or even triple in the near future. In line with that, the NPA management reaffirms its commitment\u2014within the limits of our powers and with the support of the Federal Government\u2014to ensure this positive trend continues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dantsoho outlined five strategic actions being taken to sustain growth at the port, starting with the recent approval of channel dredging:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, based on the recommendation of the NPA, secured approval for the dredging of the Lekki Port channel. This is a long-awaited development that we\u2019ve been working on and discussing for nearly two or three years. We give God the glory that it has finally materialized.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also disclosed a strategic partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to carry out the dredging, stating: \u201cThis collaboration is not just about dredging, but about strengthening our trade facilitation efforts and deepening our partnership to grow Nigeria\u2019s trade volumes.\u201d<\/p>\n
On automation, the NPA MD noted: \u201cBeing the most modern port in Nigeria, Lekki Port is naturally expected to be up to date with required technologies\u2014and we\u2019re happy that it is. The technologies in place will support the deployment of the Port Community System, which is a key step toward integrating into the National Single Window.\u201d<\/p>\n
He expressed optimism that other ports and terminals across the country would soon reach full technological capacity, saying, \u201cThis will make integration into the Port Community System seamless. I truly appreciate that Lekki Port has excelled in technology deployment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking on channel survey operations, Dantsoho revealed: \u201cWe\u2019ve awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is a major requirement under international port, harbour, and navigation standards. This will allow for better optimization of channel management around Lekki Port.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Lekki Port\u2019s request for reduced ship dues, the NPA boss explained that many of the Authority\u2019s operational equipment\u2014including navigational buoys and tugboats\u2014are dollarized:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continually invest in critical equipment to maintain port efficiency across the country. While we acknowledge Lekki Port\u2019s request for reduced dues, they must also recognize that we need adequate funding to sustain these services and properly compensate the personnel involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that when the National Single Window is fully deployed and 95% of port processes become paperless, port revenue is expected to triple:<\/p>\n
\u201cElectronic transactions will almost entirely eliminate unreceipted payments. At that stage, we believe the NPA can consider reducing ship dues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dantsoho also commended the management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and reaffirmed the Authority\u2019s commitment to supporting the port in realizing its full potential.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, presented several policy-related requests to the NPA, stating:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe request an adjustment of the tariff structure to reflect current service costs and inflation, as well as a reduction in ship dues, particularly for large vessels and feeders, to enhance competitiveness. We also request the provision of night pilotage services to enable 24\/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, among others.\u201d<\/p>\n
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