Unlike conventional ports that are situated on a river or water channel that have access to a sea or ocean through a channel, deep seaports are ports that are built in locations that have direct access to the open waters of the sea/ocean.
Out of a total of the more than 100 seaport developments being executed the world over, approximately 60% -75% of these are Deep Sea Ports or terminals, whilst the balance are mostly inland water way ports and jetties.
At the last count, there are five deep seaport projects currently listed as on-going in different parts of Nigeria. They are: Lekki, Bagadry, Ibaka, Olokola, Ogidigben, Agge; in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Ondo/Ogun, Delta and Bayelsa states respectively. Out of these number, it is only Lekki, Badagry and Ibom that are often heard about.
The rising crave for deep seaports in Nigeria is perhaps informed by the realization by the Federal Government that Nigeria can no longer rely existing ports in Lagos, Rivers, Cross Rivers and Delta states .
There is no doubt that Nigeria is in need of new and better- designed port facilities in line with to handle increased cargo traffic, new and bigger vessels that need deeper drafts.
As the largest importer and exporter of cargo in the West African sub-region, one of the country deep sea ports should become a hub for west and central Africa. Also, bigger ships move cargo more efficient than smaller vessel, so the economies of scale make is imperative that ship owners will buy new and bigger vessels and these will have to dock somewhere.
Behind the two frontline deep seaports projects located in Lagos are conglomerates that are being led by the duo of Integrated Logistics Services – leading a consortium, and Talaram Group; also leading a group of investors.
According to Governor Ambode of Lagos state , “the Badagry port and free zone, situated on over 1000 hectares is expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa upon its completion. The project will include a container terminal, oil & gas services and a liquid bulk terminal, with general cargo and Ro-Ro facilities.”
Of course, the projects have the buy-in and total support of the Federal Government and the State Government.
This is not forgetting that there are other deep seaports in different parts of the country. One that stood out is the Ibaka deep seaport.
It is a fact that existing ports have lost capacity to handle the size of ships that have been built to meet the need of today’s shippers.
It is a fact that, Nigeria should have ports that can berth a Super Panamax Vessel. Nigeria needs deep sea ports that can load and offload finished refine liquid, powder and containerized cargoes.
No doubt, a deep seaport of draft not less than 15 meters will almost guarantee Nigeria the regional hub status.
Our worry is however in the craze for deep seaports across the length and breadth of the country. As stated earlier, it is being conceived in Lekki, Bagadry, Ibaka, Olokola, Ogidigben, Agge. The question is: Can all these be fulfilled, can they be viable, are their promoters not just playing to the gallery, how many of such facilities does Nigeria need? Even in Lagos, does Lagos need two deep seaports to add to existing ones?
Similarly, we are worried that even in states where existing ports are under-utilised investors are scrambling for new deep seaports.
“If you finish construction without facility for railway, the project will be having problem due to poor road management”, these were the exact words of Senator Sani Yerima; Chairman of the Senate committee on marine transport after a visit to the Lekki deep seaports site in Lagos. This is the truth, unless the challenges being faced by port users in Lagos are to be replicated.
For a project that is estimated to cost more than $2Billion, the Lekki project has no provision for rail linkages!
As much as we are in support any effort that will bring bigger ships into Nigeria, we hasten to advise that, once again Nigeria is getting it wrong.
While efforts are being made to construct new ports, existing ones should be made attractive to shipping lines and shippers. This is only possible through provision of navigable channels, effective rail linkages and competitive pricing.
Nigeria, at this time does not the number of ambitious deep seaport projects being conceived in different parts of the coastal states in the country.
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