Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated the 16.5 metres deep Lekki Sea Port and the Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu, in Lagos.
President Buhari, who arrived at the venue in a helicopter alongside the Governor of the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, cut the ceremonial tape at the port at 4.42 pm.
The President, thereafter, proceeded on a brief drive-through inspection of the project.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port is a multipurpose sea port at the heart of the Lagos Free Zone, poised to be the most modern and deepest seaport in West Africa. Its promoters have said it would improve efficiency and serve as a major driver for economic growth in the region.
It offers critical support to flourishing commercial operations in Lagos state, across Nigeria, and the entire West African region. The port is ideally positioned to service the gateway for Nigeria and the surrounding West African region.
Speaking after President Buhari cut the tape, Mr Sanwo-Olu said the multi-billion naira project was a collaboration between the federal government, the Lagos state government and the private sector stakeholders.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the project as the biggest infrastructure in the whole of West Africa, which would surely generate thousands of jobs in the country.
He said the execution of the project took off under Buhari’s administration and was completed during the President’s tenure, a milestone to be proud of.
The governor, therefore, thanked the President for his commitment to the development of the country and appreciated all those who contributed immensely to bringing the project to reality.
Prior to the arrival of the President, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, Mrs Lola Akande, had in a speech said that the Deep Sea Port would complement other ports in the country.
Mrs Akande said that the port would further deepen Lagos’ position as an investment hub in Nigeria.
In a remark, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, LFTZ Enterprise, Mr Du Rougang, thanked the host community for their cooperation.
Mr Rougang said that the organisation would continue to work with relevant government agencies toward the growth of the economy.
