By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Lekki Deep Seaport by promoting the seamless movement of cargo and the efficiency of the nation’s ports.
The NSC Executive Secretary, Mr Pius Akutah, gave the assurance when the Managing Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) – promoters of Lekki Deep Seaport, Mr Du Ruogang, led the port’s management on a courtesy visit to the NSC in Lagos.
Mr Akutah, who commended the Lekki Deep Seaport management for the visit, said the council would partner with the port in areas that would boost its operations, according to a statement from the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mrs Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju.
Mr Ruogang, who commended the NSC’s regulatory activities at the nation’s ports, had earlier disclosed that due to its ability to receive large vessels, the port has been adding value to the Nigerian economy since it started commercial operations in 2023.
He further commended the NSC’s unflinching support to the Lekki Port management and called for continuity, stating that it was in the interest of both parties and the nation to make Nigeria the maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is a joint venture enterprise owned by foreign promoters, Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc (comprising China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. and Tolaram), the Lagos State Government, and the federal government.
LPLEL is incorporated under the Companies & Allied Matters Act regime and licensed by the Lagos Free Zone to operate in the Free Zone under the NEPZ Act. This opens a host of benefits for Lekki Port regarding taxes, duties, and other incentives.
The Lekki Port is a multi-purpose Deep Sea Port at the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of the most modern ports, supporting the burgeoning trade across Nigeria and the entire West African region.