By Moses Ebosele, ebosele@hotmail.com
Key Federal Government agencies have resumed full activities at the recently inaugurated $1.5 billion Lekki Port and Lekki Freeport Terminal.
Representatives of the agencies who spoke at an interactive session with Journalists on Wednesday at the premises of the seaport, also pledged adequate support for the privately owned seaport.
Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, while commending promoters of the seaport, said the Authority is proud of the project.
Represented by Technical Assistant, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Managing Director described the seaport as “Nigerian project and we all proud of it”.
Expaining further, the Managing Director said: “We want to continue and support every necessary approval. Its our project. We are committed to it”.
Speaking in a similar vein, Zonal Administrator, Nigeia Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), Garba Hayatu assured promoter of the seaport of necessary incentives, “All equipment were brought in duty free”.
Representatives of Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also at the event announced their presence at the Port and commended promoters of the project for creating conducive atmosphere for all stakeholders.
Speaking at the interactive session, Lekki Freeport Terminal Chief Commercial Officer, Kehinde Olubi-Neye pledged the commitment of the company to facilitate return of cargo transshipment hub status back to Nigeria.
Wednesday’s event was also an opportunity for the Executive Director, Lekki Port, Adesuwa Ladoja to thank all stakeholder for their support to the project.
Kehinde Olubi-Neye said: “We had the opportunity of sitting with the Managing Director of NPA where he reiterated that the Lekki port should get this cargo and ensure that the transshipment status that was taken away from the country returns.
“NPA regulates prices, and they are interested in ensuring this cargo comes back and we are sure they will provide us with the necessary support,” Olubi-Neye said.
“Our gates are automated and is linked with our vehicle booking system where truck drivers are required to book appointments in advance.
“It is also available on mobile phones and provides visibility on gates transactions.
“This also supports the initiative of the Lagos State Government with regard to the comprehensive call-up system for the Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Port, Dangote Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and the Pinnacle Oil and Gas.
“We are in discussions with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders on the deployment of the call-up system for the Lekki area and we have confident that the call-up system for trucks will address concerns of prospective port users will have over access to the port,” he said.
Olubi-Neye also commended the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for road construction around the ports.
In his submission, the Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Yann Magarian, said the project would shape the maritime economy of the country, adding that the port is fully automated and equipped with modern equipment.
