According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Lekki multi-purpose seaport, commissioned for operations by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023, is expected to create over 170,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians upon completion.
Mohammed Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, made this disclosure during their Special Day at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, which was organized by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (ECCIMA), on Saturday in Enugu.
Koko highlighted that the Lekki Deep Seaport, which is the deepest port in West Africa, would significantly transform Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He added that the NPA aims to become the leading port in Africa, which can only be achieved through a collaborative commitment of trade development drivers.
“We will continue to collaborate with our partners in the economic development of Nigeria and we consider ECCIMA as partners in the development of the Country.
“The Nigerian maritime industry is a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 per cent volume of economic activities are delivered through the ports worldwide as Maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace.
“I am highly excited that ECCIMA has continued to provide platforms and opportunities fo Entrepreneurs to emerge and thrive,” Koko said.
The managing director further added that rail lines from the ports were being rehabilitated to ensure ease in the logistics chain.
“At the NPA, the Lilypond Terminal provides exporters the much-needed infrastructure to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the international market.
“This is done to encourage the exportation of more locally-made goods, a move to boost non-export in the country and to ease supply chain constraints for export cargoes.“
We will continually give priority consideration to exportation of agricultural produce and Solid Mineral Resources which will in turn give exportation a boost in the nation’s economy,” he said.
Source: postngr
