According to Vanguard, In a recent stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lekki Deep Sea Port premises, the container terminal operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, a subsidiary of the CMA/CGM Group, assured shippers of a significantly shorter turnaround time for the clearance of goods from the port. The Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Kehinde Olubi-Neye, stated that it will now take only 5 to 10 days, making it the fastest clearance time compared to the existing ports in the country.
To achieve this expedited process, the project’s promoters have invested heavily in automating various processes, aiming to eliminate the unnecessary delays experienced at other ports. The automation system at Lekki Port is seamlessly connected to an automated gate, facilitating a vehicle booking system that requires truck drivers to make appointments in advance.
Furthermore, the port has constructed a Truck Park capable of accommodating up to 150 trucks simultaneously. To enhance cargo evacuation, the port is also exploring the possibility of incorporating barge operations, which would enable the utilization of Eastern ports such as Calabar, Onitsha, and Warri.
Laurence Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, emphasized the significance of this project for the maritime industry in Nigeria. He praised the port as a gateway to great opportunities and potential, comparable to investments made in Dubai. Smith believes that Lekki Port has the potential to generate substantial revenue for Nigeria and create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities.
Joseph Ephraim, the Assistant Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), assured the stakeholders that the agency is fully committed to supporting the timely evacuation of cargo from the port by conducting necessary checks. He emphasized the collaboration and cooperation between regulatory agencies to facilitate smooth operations.
Representing the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Ikechukwu Onyemachara expressed the NPA’s pride and commitment to supporting the Lekki Port project as a shareholder and regulator. He pledged to expedite any required approvals and provide marine services to ensure the project’s success.
Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, the Executive Director of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), conveyed her pride in the Lekki Deep Sea Port, highlighting its importance not only for the promoters but also for the government and people of Nigeria. Ladoja urged the media to continue promoting the project, shaping positive perceptions, and bolstering investor confidence in the port’s economic potential.
As Lekki Port aims to revolutionize cargo clearance in Nigeria, reducing the time taken to process goods and enhance operational efficiency, it represents a significant development for the country’s maritime industry. The stakeholders’ meeting served as a platform to reaffirm commitment and collaboration in making Lekki Port a resounding success.
