The President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has expressed confidence in the success of the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport, attributing its potential to the area’s strategic location and economic viability.
Idris made this assertion during an interactive session with the executive members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at their two-day retreat aimed at preparing for the year ahead.
The retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs emphasized that Badagry’s unique geographical position as a gateway to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Europe makes it an ideal location for the deep seaport. He also highlighted the area’s proximity to the Seme border, Nigeria’s most significant land border, as well as its well-established intermodal transportation systems, including waterways and the Lagos-Sokoto Expressway.
These features, he noted, make Badagry a transshipment hub for landlocked countries like Niger Republic and Chad, which prefer Nigerian ports for their cargo.
“We are fully aware of the economic viability of Badagry,” Idris said. “It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe. Most Nigerian cargo currently directed to ports in Benin and Togo will naturally shift to the Badagry Deep Seaport. The port will also help reduce smuggling significantly—if not completely eradicated, at least by 20%—upon completion.”
Idris noted that the port’s construction would attract investors to Badagry, create jobs for artisans and vendors, and drive economic growth in the region. However, he urged the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and the port’s promoters to resolve outstanding issues delaying the project’s commencement.
“As a chamber, we expect the port’s construction to begin in 2025. We urge all stakeholders to address any grey areas in the agreement to facilitate the project’s start. The port is crucial for the growth of Badagry,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the need for another deep seaport in Lagos despite the existence of the Lekki Deep Seaport, Idris maintained that Badagry’s massive market and strategic location justify the project. He stressed that thorough feasibility studies must have been conducted before its proposal.
On border management, Idris criticized the continued closure of land borders for vehicles, describing Nigeria’s borders as too vast and porous to manage effectively. He lamented the loss of Customs officers’ lives during anti-smuggling operations and called on the Federal Government to reopen the borders to reduce revenue losses and ensure safer conditions for Customs personnel.
“Trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among importers, agents, Customs, and other stakeholders,” he said. “Importers need to be transparent with their declarations, and the roles of regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and SON must be properly delineated to avoid delays.”
Idris also commended the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, for prioritizing staff welfare through regular promotions, describing it as a morale booster for officers.
The Badagry Deep Seaport, when operational, is expected to boost Nigeria’s maritime economy, enhance trade within the region, and reinforce Badagry’s position as a critical hub for economic activity.
