According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Lekki multi-purpose seaport is estimated to provide more than 170,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians once completed. This is expected to have a favorable influence on the country’s economy and unemployment rate. President Muhammadu Buhari officially inaugurated the Lekki Deep Seaport on January 23, 2023. Following the completion of the first phase of the Lekki Deep Seaport, full commercial operation was envisaged by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Mohammed Koko, Managing Director of NPA, made this announcement on Saturday in Enugu during their Special Day at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, which is being hosted by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA). He said that the Lekki Deep Seaport, identified as the deepest port in West Africa would be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s Maritime sector. Therefore, it would have a favorable influence on the economy of the country in many different ways.
NPA would continue to engage with partners in the economic growth.
Koko, who was represented by Ibrahim Nasiru, the Principal Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, NPA, Lagos, stated that the seaport would strive to be the pioneering port in the African region. This is an aspiration that can be accomplished through the mutual effort of trade development drivers. He said that the NPA would continue to engage with partners in the economic growth of Nigeria and regarded ECCIMA to be partners in the development of the nation.
It is clear to see that the maritime sector is a significant economic driver considering the fact that 85 percent of the volume of economic activity is carried out via the ports globally and it remains the principal entryway to the international marketplace. Koko said he was thrilled to hear that ECCIMA continues its endeavor in creating forums and fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and thrive. The director general also said that the logistics chain will benefit from the rehabilitation of rail lines leading to and from the ports.
Much effort is required to ease affairs of importers facing challenges.
Lilypond Terminal at the NPA gives exporters the facilities they need to do business at lower cost and in less time, making them more competitive on the global market. This is done to promote the export of locally produced items, thereby increasing the country’s non-export and reducing the difficulties inherent in the export cargo supply chain. Koko went on to say that the NPA will keep pushing to increase the country’s exports of agriculture products and solid mineral resources.
Jasper Nduagwuike, president of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA), praised NPA for returning to the fair after an absence of many years and called for the implementation of steps to relieve congestion at ports around the nation. He emphasized that much more effort is required to ease the affairs of importers particularly those from the Southeast, who are still facing avoidable challenges and longtime delays while trying to clear their goods at ports like Onne and Port Harcourt.
Operators should establish realistic strategies for addressing problems.
Represented by Odega Jideonwu, ECCIMA’s First Deputy President, Nduagwuike, noted that it is uncertain when operators in the industry would stop putting blame on each other. Therefore, he encourages them to establish more realistic and effective strategies for addressing the problems that have long impeded the marine sector’s ability to contribute to national growth and development. Moreover, he applauded the parastatal for its strategic function and dedication, as well as its vital position in the economic life of the people, especially in the growth and facilitation of commerce and industry.
Related Link
LKP: Website
Lekki Deep Seaport to provide 170,000 jobs. – The seaport would have a favorable influence on the economy in many ways. – Express your point of view.
This is the dividend of investment. Investment in the Lekki deep seaport has brought about jobs for people. I hope we continue to take the seaport serious and efficiently do our jobs to enable us generate revenues.
The Lekki Deep Seaport has the potential to provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy and job market. However, to realize its full potential, there must be careful planning and implementation, taking into account the concerns of local communities and the environment.
The lekki deep seaport is one of President Buhari administration major achievement. It will indeed be of great benefit to the Nation economy as predicted. It will provide 170,000 jobs and boost the country economy attracting investors and generating revenue for the nation.
The lekki deep seaport will not only create 170,000 jobs but attract foreign investors and generate revenue for the country. It is among one of the most outstanding project embarked upon by this administration.
The major concern about the opening of Lekki seaport is that it will provide jobs for the people which is fine
This seaport will provide job for many people we are dealing with the issue of unemployment in the country before this will at least employ people the seaport generally will improve our economy
This has to be the best news so far, this will help reduce unemployment drastically and promote a better economy
I endorse this and It should be obvious that there would be numerous positive effects on the economy if this were to be done.
Our port authority officers ought to maintain their efforts to raise the quantity of agricultural goods and solid raw materials that are exported from the country.
Wow, this job that the seaport will create will really benefit a lot of people that are struggling to put food on their table because they can now get a job. More of things like this please it will make the country a better place to live in.
Lekki Deep Seaport to provide 170,000 jobs. Yes, it will create job opportunities for so many people. many people will benefit from it.
But it should have be more better if they build this seaport in another state aside from Lagos. Nigeria government is very low in thinking, suffering people is one of their major aim, seeing people suffer. Lagos is overpopulated. Most everything be in Lagos. Sometimes I wonder how federal government thinks and plan. Nigeria government is very good in traveling to Europe but they can never learn from them.