Sanwo-Olu: Lekki deep seaport won’t be known for traffic gridlock

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state says efforts would be made to ensure that the Lekki deep seaport is free from traffic and commuting frustration.

The governor said this on Monday at the completion ceremony.

In March, Sanwo-Olu, said the seaport would commence commercial operations in 2023.

Speaking on the construction completion, the governor said he would ensure that all roads leading to the port are given “required attention” so as to avert unnecessary gridlock and commuter frustration. 

“It is indeed heartwarming to have one of the most modern deep-sea port in the world, here in Lagos state,” he said.

“We are very proud to not only be the host of this engineering wonder, but also to be an investor in it, alongside Lekki port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), and the federal government of Nigeria.

“The benefits for Lagos state are tremendous: 200,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created, in addition to billions of dollars in… taxes and revenues.

“The port will position Lagos as the new maritime logistics hub of West and Central Africa, while also positioning Nigeria to attain the full economic leadership potential that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents.

“I want to use this opportunity to assure the private players in this project, investors, intending investors, communities and residents, of the commitment of the Lagos state government to the development of the road infrastructure serving the new port.

“We are collaborating closely with the FG to ensure that every access road to this port gets the required attention. 

“We have the example of the Apapa port to learn from, we will not allow this area to become another byword for traffic gridlock and commuter frustration.”

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged commuters to be patient as effort is being made to upgrade the transport and ancillary infrastructure and to keep up with the pace of development. 

“See these investors as partners for progress and development, and creators of the jobs that will transform your lives and communities,” he added.

The federal and Lagos governments are expected to generate $201 billion from the seaport when completed.