In his renewed efforts towards enhancing the operational efficiencies in the Nigerian seaports, President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday disclosed that his administration has seen development of Deep sea ports as a long term solution to the problems of congestion in ports.
The President who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) tagged,” NIMAREX 2014, Invest now”, stated that part of the long term solution to congestion is the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Ports which according to him, had been at the forefront of his administration.
“For the enhancement of operational efficiencies at various ports, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port which is expected to handle bigger vessels.”
According to him, the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the ports would soon be performed.
The President who was represented at the event by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar also said that the deep sea ports would create employment for the teeming youths of the country under Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
On the Ibaka deep sea port in Akwa Ibom State, Jonathan disclosed that the Steering and the Project Delivery Committees that was constituted last year had submitted its draft report which the transaction Adviser had produced the initial Due Diligence report as well as the Outline Business Case.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is discussing with the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Government of Lagos State and some investors to develop the Badagry deep sea port.
His words, “efforts are also being intensified to initiate similar arrangements with the Governments of Ondo and Ogun with some other investors to develop the Olokola deep sea port.
“Also, the contract for the consultancy service for the establishment of a port at Ogidigbe near Escravos as part of the Gas industrial park with free trade status which is expected to be the hub for gas revolution initiative of the Federal Government is awaiting the approval and consideration of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).”
President Jonathan told participants at this year’s event that his administration is also in talk with the Government of Bayelsa state over development of deep sea port in the state.
“A Parliamentary Joint Inspection has been carried out by the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Bayelsa state government for the development of Agge deep sea Port. Already, the state government has commissioned a reputable consultant, who has carried out extensive studies for the development of the port,” he stated.
