The growth of Nigeria’s economy according to reports are largely tied to the non-oil sectors. One of them includes the development of deep seaports across Nigeria.
According to reports, plans are underway to complete the Lekki deep seaport as part of the expansion of seaport operations in Nigeria.
Thenewsguru.com reports that the project which is halfway completed will be ready in 2021 with its commercial usage kicking off in 2022.
According to the Technical Director of the port, Steven Heukelom, while speaking in Lagos, the project is expected to berth large vessels of about 18,000 TEUs (twenty foot unit), a three-container berth of 680 metre long and 16.5metre deep. This also includes one dry bulk terminal.
“We are now almost halfway in the breakwater construction. We have done 900 metres close to one kilometre and the full length will be 1.9 kilometers.
“We will also dredge the channels going up around 11kilometres long, before we reach the natural depth of 16.5 metres and then we are good to go” he added.
In his remarks, the Landslide Infrastructure Manager, Kunle Fadunmuye said 30,000 X blocks were produced to break the waves.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had in 2019 signed the $629 million financing of the Lekki Deep see project.
Pmnewsnigeria reported that the agreement which was in 30 months will see the actualisation of the seaport. It was said that the signing of the financing facility was a good catalyst for socio- economic development of the state as a loan deal with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) reflects the vision of the state in boosting commerce and investment.
In Cross River State, the spotlight beamed on Bakassi with its proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport .The project which would cost about $1.7 billion and $2billion as reported by ThisDay would be funded by foreign investors.
This was the response of the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade while speaking recently to newsmen.
The Chairman of the Debt Review and Project Development Commission, Chief Chris Agara in his remarks said.
“With the approval obtained from the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the state government would ensure that the project, which would be of immense economic benefit to the state and the country ,is realized”.
“All ports belong to Nigeria Port Authority ;by extension to the Federal Government .So before we start they must give you the right of way .So it is also our responsibility that we get the deep seaport in Bakassi also functional “he emphasized.
The report further quoted Agara as saying that the African Development Bank(AfDB) has pledged support to the state in necessary financial facilities for the construction of the port and the proposed 275 kilometers super highway “which will serve as evacuation corridor from the Bakassi port to northern Nigeria and beyond when it becomes functional”.
The story is not different in neighbouring Akwa Ibom State with the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport to be constructed upon approval from the Federal Government.
Guardianng in its report recently stated that the project will be situated in Mbo Local Government area of the state.
The immediate past commissioner for Special Duties and Aviation, Alan Okon said the technical committee which is headed by Mrs Mfon Usoro has professional maritime experts as members.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel on assumption of office in 2015, knowing what could happen if such project is left under bureaucracy of government, put in place a technical committee for actualisation of Ibom Deep Seaport”
With the various deep sea projects around the country which is expected to decongest the Lagos seaport, it is widely believed that development will not only catch up with the host communities but on the long run expand the scope of international trade routes along the nation’s waterways.
By Francis Ogwo
Source: thenewsguru.com
pmnewsnigeria.com
ThisDay.com
guardianng
