The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi has said that the Lekki Deep Seaport project was an example of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) success story that would transform Nigeria economy into global recognition.
The Managing Director who made this assertion at the premises of the port in Lekki last week at a crucial meeting with core investors also described the project as a game changer and a catalyst to the nation’s economy in view of the number of businesses that the port would attract when fully operational.
Mallam Abdullahi who expressed satisfaction with the arrangement for the takeoff of the project in April this year, assured stakeholders that as an investor and technical regulator, the authority was committed to the actualization of the project because it would bring benefits to the Nigerian economy and make Nigeria a hub port in West Africa.
He added further; ‘’ The total amount of our equity is $118 Million [One Hundred and Eighteen million Dollars) and as at last year, we have paid N1billion [One billion) and for 2015, we are making effort to pay up what is due to us and I cannot say anything because it still with the Senate. But we have made arrangements with the group that we will pay accordingly until the end of the year’’.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Mr. Haresh Ascoani told NPA Managing Director that the project would transform the Lekki Free Trade Zone into a new industrial city in Nigeria when it becomes operational.
Mr. Ascoani disclosed that the Lekki Deep Seaport would be the deepest seaport in West Africa and second in Africa after South Africa deep port, adding that the port would drive Nigeria’s economy, create more jobs and attract investment worth over $25B (Twenty five Billion Dollars).
He told the Managing Director that China construction company would commence the construction of the port by April this year and that the promoters of the port, Tolaram Group were working with the Lagos state Government and the Federal Ministry of Works on how to build additional roads that would ease traffic in the area when the port becomes operational.
