Barring last minute, President Mohammadu Buhari is billed to commission the newly completed $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port for commercial operations.
The port, one of the best in the West Africa sub-region, is billed to commence full commercial operations in first quarter of 2023.
Meanwhile, the operator will continue with the trial operations with the completion of the installation of necessary port equipment and infrastructure.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Managing Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Mr Du Ruogang assured that the terminal operator, Lekki Free Port Terminal (LFT), is putting everything in place to give a world-class port experience. Also, all the relevant agencies have been sensitised to undertake their roles in the new port.
Ruogang applauded the media, noting that the media is an important stakeholder in the port’s success. He also requested that the press extend the same support to the container terminal operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, as they prepare to commence operations.
During the parley, it was noted that while Lagos State Government commenced work on the construction of access roads leading to the port, there was an appeal for more support in the area of infrastructural development to ensure easy cargo movement out of the port.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their contribution to making the port a reality.
In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Laurence Smith, revealed that full commercial operation will commence at the end of the first quarter of 2023 while the terminal operator, Lekki Free Port Terminal, will be carrying out trial operations once they complete the installation of all necessary port equipment and infrastructure.
He noted that the port has also opened up discussions with three potential operators of Liberth terminals to be constructed at the port which is critical to the commencement of the construction of Phase 2 of the port.
