Contrary to hallucinations of the stakeholders in Maritime sector that Lekki Freeport Terminal is in competition with other ports , LFT has set the notion straight that they are focusing on their focus which is to shape the maritime economy of the country by making it attractive and irresistible to the whole World.
The information was passed across through LFT Chief Commercial Officer Mr Kehinde Olubi-Neye during a media parley organized by the company at their port complex conference room at Ibeji Lekki inside Lagos state recently .
The Chief Commercial Officer said that the port is aiming towards improving global maritime trade, and to ensure return of investments for its stakeholders but never to compete with Tincan or Apapa Ports.
Mr Olubi-Neye revealed that the Port is working with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to ensure the return of transshipment cargoes which Nigeria lost years back.
He added that that the company has so far invested a whooping sum of $100 million on cargo handling equipments to ensure smooth operation of customers service.
“NPA regulates prices and they are interested in ensuring this cargo comes back and we are sure they will provide us with the necessary support,” Olubi-Neye said.
He added that the company was conducting truck and driver registration to ensure seamless movement around the port vicinity.
“Our gates are automated and is linked with our vehicle booking system where truck drivers are required to book appointments in advance.
“It is also available on mobile phones and provides visibility on gates
“This also supports the initiative of the Lagos State Government with regard to the comprehensive call-up system for the Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Port, Dangote Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and the Pinnacle Oil and Gas.
“We are in discussions with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders on the deployment of the call-up system for the Lekki area and we have confident that the call-up system for trucks will address concerns of prospective port users will have over access to the port,” he said.
Olubi-Neye also commended the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for road construction around the ports.
He, however, disclosed that the company would explore the possibility of moving cargo by barges.
“We have begun to execute more than five barges moves of over 900TEUs from Lekki Port to the Ikorodu area of Lagos”
In addition , the Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Yann Magarian, said the project would shape the maritime economy of the country, adding that the port is fully automated and equipped with modern equipment.
Meanwhile, various agencies of government working at the Lekki Port facility has pledged adequate support for the privately owned seaport.
Also speaking at the media parley, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, while commending promoters of the seaport, said the Authority is proud of the project.
Represented by Technical Assistant, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Managing Director described the seaport as “Nigerian project and we are all proud of it”.
Explaining further, the Managing Director said: “We want to continue and support every necessary approval. Its our project. We are committed to it”.
Speaking in a similar vein, Zonal Administrator, Nigeia Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), Garba Hayatu assured promoter of the seaport of necessary incentives, “All equipment were brought in duty free”.
Representatives of Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also at the event announced their presence at the Port and commended promoters of the project for creating conducive atmosphere for all stakeholders.
