LEKKI FAST BECOMING MARITIME LOGISTICS HUB OF AFRICA – SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a project that has enshrined the name of the State and Nigeria in the global maritime business, saying Lekki is fast emerging as the hub of maritime logistics in Africa.
The Governor made this remark at the arrival ceremony of CMA CGM Scandola, the largest container vessel to berth in Nigeria on Monday at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Ibeju Lekki.
Speaking at the ceremony referred to as simple but very important, Sanwo-Olu expressed happiness at the coming of the vessel which he referenced as proof that Nigeria is creating a new environment for business.
His words: “My sheer happiness is that in less than one year, given all of the challenges confronting big businesses like this, Lekki Free Port Terminal is receiving the largest ship to ever berth in Nigeria. In Lagos State, this is an exciting time for us and I believe Lagos can do much more if we remain intentional about what we do and committed to changing the narratives of business operations in the State”.
According to the Governor, Lagos State is taking seriously the challenge thrown by Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to move Nigeria’s economy to a trillion dollar mark as the State sees maritime as one of the key drivers that can deliver on that goal.
“We need to prepare ourselves to receive the world and Lagos State will continue to play the leadership role in driving the nation and African economy. We will be intentional about it and we will continue to double our efforts to sustain and improve on the milestones already achieved”, he said.
Describing Lekki as not just home to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, but also the largest petrochemical and petroleum refinery companies, Sanwo-Olu commended the Lekki community for ensuring peace within the area, acknowledged all stakeholders and parties to the project for their roles, and congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu for initiating the project during his tenure as Governor of the State and for recording the landmark event at the Zone as the President.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Mr. Muohammed Bello Koko expressed that the ship, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) represented the stride to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases.
“In the global quest to mitigate climate change, shipping will contribute significantly to the reduction of global carbon footprints and the CMA CGM Scandola is particularly noted for its climate-compliant operations”, he said.
Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri commended Lagos State Government and other partners for the huge infrastructural development ongoing along the corridor, saying the road projects have already reduced travel time by half. He further said the construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway will lead to the timely delivery of cargo from the port.
Managing Director of Lekki Deep Sea Port, Mr. Du Ruogang mentioned that the organisation is creating a new phase of Nigeria’s maritime from today as the arrival of the ship was a testament to the commitment to make Lekki Deep Sea Port a leading destination for maritime business in West Africa. “The Port is committed to providing world-class maritime services and enhanced ease of doing business in Lagos”, he said.