By Ebenezer William

The Federal Government has given the nod for the maintenance dredging of the $1.5bn Lekki Deep seaport channel from its present 16.5 metres to 17 metres in the first instance as it targets 19 meters depth.

Disclosing this over the weekend during his maiden visit to Lekki Port, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho in the company of senior management staff of the Authority, urged Lekki Port to consolidate transhipment volumes to landlocked neighbouring countries.
According to Abubakar Dantsoho, “The rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to us.
“Lekki’s capacity to berth super post-panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.
“The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in ttranshipmentnumbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighbouring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
“This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand boosts foreign exchange inflows and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy
“So it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures and we hope that the export volume is going to double or even triple shortly. And because of that, we have to still reaffirm our commitment as NPA management to do what we can do within our and with the support of the Federal Government to ensure that this trend, this beautiful throughput trend you have shown us, continues to grow and increase.
“So what are we doing to ensure that this trend continues? We are doing about five things. Now, number one, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the Nigerian Port Authority has gotten the approval for the dredging of the channel at Lekki Port.
“This is something that we have been working towards, something that we’ve been discussing for almost two or three years. And finally, we give God the glory that it has happened.
“We have also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation”. But because we wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger in a concerted bid to grow Nigeria’s trade volumes”.
“So I think that’s a clear indication of how serious and how supportive we can get when it comes to issues of Lekki Port.”
On automation, the NPA MD stated “Now, the other thing I want to mention is the automation issue that you have raised. Now, luckily for you, and most likely because you are the most current or the latest port that we have in Nigeria, it is expected naturally that all those things that are required for a modern port should be here. Lekki Port is up to date with the technologies and we are very happy about that.
“The technology that is here will be part of the main requirements for the deployment of the port community system, which is a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.
“We are hoping that other port locations or other terminals will very soon also have 100 per cent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it would not be an issue. So I appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”
On the channel survey, the NPA MD explained that the contract had been awarded.
“We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is also a major requirement of the international port and harbour and navigation systems. This will give us more optimisation in the area of channel management around Lekki Port.”
On Lekki Port’s request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD explained that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are dollarized.
“We keep buying Navigational Bouys, Tug Boats and others to ensure efficiency in port operations across the country. Because many of the things that we buy are polariser in as much as it’s necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to the government, Lekki Port should also know that we need to have more money to be able to buy more of these things and also ensure that personnel who are running them are also well paid.
“When the Single window is finally deployed, and 95 per cent of port processes become paperless, the revenue at the ports will triple. Electronic transactions will completely or nearly eliminate unreceipted payments in our ports
“When this happens, it is believed that we are going to make more money. At that point, I think NPA will look at the possibility of bringing down the Ship Dues.”
The NPA MD also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remaining unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.
Speaking earlier, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD.
“We wish to request for an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, a reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, to enhance port competitiveness.
“Provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, amongst others,” the Lekki Port MD stated.
The NPA MD also paid a visit to the $19.5bn Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery and met Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.