By Adaku Onyenucheya
Managing Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Du Ruogang, said the first phase of the Lekki Deep Sea Port is ready for official commissioning and commercial operations.
This comes as the promoters have opened discussions with potential operators of the liquid berth terminals for the commencement of the construction of phase two of the port.
Ruogang disclosed this yesterday at an end-of-the-year media parley held in Lagos. He assured that all necessary arrangements are being made for the official commissioning of the port by President Muhammadu Buhari after which the facility would commence full commercial operations.
He noted that the terminal operator, Lekki Free Port Terminal (LFT), was putting everything in place to achieve a world-class port experience, adding that all the relevant agencies have been sensitised on their roles in this regard.
Ruogang noted that while Lagos State government has commenced work on the construction of access roads, there was an appeal for more support in the area of infrastructural development to ensure easy cargo movement.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, including key agencies like the Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their contribution to making the port a reality.
The Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Laurence Smith, said the full commercial operation would commence at the end of the first quarter of 2023 while trial operations would be carried out once the company completes the installation of necessary equipment and infrastructure.
Smith hinted that Lekki Port has already opened discussions with potential operators of the liquid berth terminals, which is critical to the commencement of the construction of phase two of the project.
Source: The Guardian
