Apapa LGA Begs Federal Government Agencies For Port City Development

By Roland Ekama

The Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area in Lagos, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has again expressed dissatisfaction over lack of support from federal government institutions in the port city, saying Apapa has not achieved the deserved development status.

Senbanjo disclosed this on Thursday at a one day summit put together by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC)in Lagos.

The Chairman who highlighted some of the challenges in the community, urged the federal government.agencies to assist the local government in infrastructure development towards actualizing the smart port city status.

She noted that Apapa has agencies like Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)etc , yet the smart port city status has not been achieved..

Senbanjo reiterated that the local government warehouses two of the most viable seaports in Nigeria under it, yet nothing to show for in terms of social amenities.

“I am not benefitting from the Federal Government agencies in Apapa; the economy of Apapa Local Government is in your hands. Let this economy thrive again,” she said.

According to her, Apapa is a potential city that needs upgrading in terms of social amenities like passengers railway connectivity, stressing the need for the regeneration of the port community through support from the federal government agencies.

She further called on the Chief Executive Officers of all the parastatals in Apapa to support the local government for optimal utilisation and development of the community.

Aside federal government institutions with huge revenue based, Apapa warehouses multinational organizations, conglomerates, blue chip companies, and other notable private sector investors.