The proposed agenda to concession Lekki Deep Seaport has assumed a new dimension as China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) indicates interest to stake $86,810,000.00 for the balance of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) equity.
The development is coming less than one month after Lekki International Container Terminal Services (LICTSE) reportedly pulled out of the transaction.
Already, CHEC and promoters of the project have “executed an agreement to this effect”.
Explaining further on Wednesday, NPA said: “Proponents of the Lekki Deep Sea Port have recently informed the NPA of the readiness of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to take up the balance of NPA’s equity to the tune of US$86,810,000.00(86 Million, eight hundred and ten United States Dollars) which the NPA is currently unable to bear”.
Meanwhile, Dubai Port World popularly known as DP World is also currently close to signing partnership agreement with Josepdam Port Services Limited, operators of the Bulk Terminal( Terminal A) at Tin Can Island Port Complex.
According to NPA, “This venture will see DP World deploying its resources to upgrade and deliver world class services at the facility.
“In the same vein, the NPA is currently working with DP World to actualise the organisation’s determination to invest in Greenfield port opportunities in this country.
“The plan is to develop a DP World Terminal in the Lagos area and a suitable site is currently being sought. Both the brownfield as evident in the agreement on the Bulk Terminal and the Greenfield are investments worth billions of United State Dollars.
“It is also noteworthy that Tanger Med Port of Morocco has equally indicated interest to invest in a variety of opportunities that the Nigeria economy presents. These include the development of Greenfield Terminal, Logistics Base and warehousing. Like the other listed above, this Foreign Direct Invest (FDI) also run into billions of dollars”.
Refuting alleged ‘hardline posture which discourages investors”, a statement issued by NPA’s Principal Manager (Public Affairs), I.S. Nasiru said: “The NPA believes that making the best of the vast opportunities that our maritime resources offer can only be derived from working together towards the same purpose. Nigeria stands to gain a lot from our unity and we appeal to all stakeholders in the maritime sector to let us work in unity for the prosperity of our country”.
The statement added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the NPA is committed to realising the utmost potential of the maritime sector in the country. And in achieving this, the interest of the country is placed above any other factor including existing contractual agreements that may have short-changed the country.
“We must state emphatically that even in our enthusiasm to improve the ease of doing business and increase revenue accruable from our operations, we are guided by global best practices without any prejudices at all.
