The Federal Government has pledged a total of $118 million to the construction of the proposed Lekki Deep Seaport.
According to the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, “The total amount of the federal government’s stake in this project is $118 million. What we had as at last year was N1 billion and we have already paid that. We have already started making payments on this because there was an allegation that the government has not started making payments.
“That is totally wrong. We have already paid our own dues as at last year. For the year 2015, we have made enough provision to pay up the remaining amount that is due to us. It is still with the government but we have already made an agreement with them and we will pay it up by the end of the year.
“When completed, this project will be an eye-opener that will attract other investors and it will also inspire the construction of other proposed deep seaports, like the Badagry deep seaport, Olokonla port in Ogun state, Ogidigben port in Delta state, and the Ibom deep seaport in Akwa Ibom State. This project will drive the economy and bring economy growth to the country.
“It will yield employment. It will be of great advantage to Lagosians and Nigerians as a whole. It will be a hub of West Africa to bring export promotions into the state and will transform the whole economy as promised by President Goodluck Jonathan.”
The multi-billion naira project also involves the Lagos State Government and a Singaporean investor, Tolaram Group and it is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly reduce the present congestion in Nigerian premier port, Apapa Quay, Lagos.