Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, says it is embarking on a $1.1 billion ports rehabilitation plan in the first quarter of 2024, to fortify Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said this in a panel session at the 43rd Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, conference held on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to Mr Bello-Koko, almost every port in Nigeria requires rehabilitation while NPA is initiating a substantial overhaul for all ports, starting with the TinCan and Apapa ports in Lagos.
“The objective of the authority is to enhance the physical infrastructure of these ports to accommodate vessels of all sizes and increase the draft at the quayside.
“Increasing the draft is with the aim of achieving draft depths of up to 14 meters and this initiative will render Nigerian ports more competitive on a global scale,” he said.
Mr Bello-Koko further stated that the NPA was also strengthening collaborations with the private sector to establish new seaports.
Notably, he said, the Lekki Deep Seaport had already commenced operations, and the Badagry Deep Seaport recently signed an agreement with a Middle-Eastern party, with construction scheduled to commence early next year.
