Fresh indications have emerged that the Lagos State Government is leaving no stone unturned for the establishment of the Badagry Deep Seaport in Lagos, checks by DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA revealed.
Findings further confirmed that the deep seaport project in the heart of Badagry is expected to gulp a whooping 2.6 billion dollars.
This is even as the Lagos State Government has described the proposed Badagry Deep Sea Port as a shining example of the tremendous potential Lagos holds for growth, development, innovation and a sustainable economy.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya, FCA, stated this at a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the development of the Badagry Deep Sea Port organised by the Ministry in conjunction with Badagry Port Development Limited, held at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday.
Speaking at the meeting, Ososanya declared that the strategic and economic importance of the Badagry Deep Seaport project cannot be overemphasised, taking into consideration the quantum of investments that will spring up in the area when the project is completed.
Her words: “The Badagry Port Development Limited is expected to promote socio-economic development in the surrounding communities, particularly through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The inclusive approach will ensure that the benefits of the Port extend far beyond its boundaries, creating a positive ripple effect that reaches every corner of Lagos State, Nigeria and the global economy as a whole”.
The Permanent Secretary tasked MDAs to support the project by being actively involved in the decision-making process, aligning with their respective mandates and playing their parts in line with extant laws and policies of Lagos State.
“Our collective effort is highly required for the realisation of the dream and aspiration of the Badagry Deep Sea Port, and there is a need for collaboration and synergy in the ecosystem to ensure the timely completion of the project”, she said.
Ag. Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Surveyor Ayokunnu Adesina gave a technical overview of presentations by government stakeholders, saying the entire parcel of land for the Badagry Deep Sea Port has been mapped out while resettlement lands have been provided for communities that would be displaced through the project.
“We have also processed some Certificate of Occupancies for the Badagry Port Development Limited while the Office of Surveyor-General is ready to provide any support as may be required by the organisation in respect of the project”, he added.
The representatives of Badagry Port Development Limited and Head, Government Relations, Mr. James Clinton confirmed that the Badagry Deep Sea Port is a 2.6 Billion dollar project and it would be the second largest in Africa.
“I really want to appreciate the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives and other MDAs, for the commitment and drive that have pushed the project to where it is. I am most assured, with this level of cooperation, that all possible impediments to the project would be removed for its smooth take-off”, he said.
The Community Relations Manager of Badagry Port Development Limited, Mr. Justin Okwuofu commended the people of Badagry for their cooperation as the organisation has received tremendous support from the communities.
Representatives of MDAs such as Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lands, Justice, Local Government & Community Affairs all affirmed their commitments to ensuring the timely conclusion of all processes leading to the final take-off of the project.
By Roland Ekama
