Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the Apapa port in Lagos has outlived the size that it was built for, while lamenting the congestion at the premier port has further worsen the situation.
The governor, while speaking at the NdigboAmaka Progressive Markets Association conference in Lagos on Thursday with the theme: “Development and Sustainability Of The Nation’s Economy”, informed that the government is committed to resolving issues as it affects the informal sector
Sanwo-Olu informed that due to the congestion along the port access roads, particularly around the construction should return to site and ensure that in the next two or three months the road is fixed.
Sanwo-Olu further informed that work on the Badagry Deep Seaport will commence soon, while stating that the state government awaits the final approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC)
He noted that a land has already been allocated for the take-off of the Badagry port.
“We have a land already for the Badagry port. Also the Lekki port will be completed before the end of this year which means that for my brother and sisters who needs goods to go to the east or other part of the country
“They don’t need to bring their shipment into Apapa port from the Lekki port we are doing a six lane highway which they can get unto Shagamu-Benin express road and their goods can go to other parts of the country without necessarily putting pressure on the road in Lagos.
“These are some of the things we are putting in place to ensure that the cost of freighting is reduced.
“And some of our cargoes going to Lome,Togo and all that will be cancelled because we will have enough infrastructure and good including our port terminals operating in our country.
“So you have the port in Apapa, the Lekki port and Badagry port in view to pick from as you go along in the line” he said.
Speaking earlier, one of the keynote speaker, Mrs Kikelomo Sanya Olu from the ministry of Local government and community affairs informed that development and sustainability of the economy of the state is no doubt in line with the agenda of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State.
She informed that the markets remain a key-driver for economic growth in the state, she also informed that the Lagos State Government on 8th of April, 2021 inaugurated a 21–member Lagos State Market Advisory Council (LASMAC) with the responsibility of managing the affairs of markets in the state, in line with the international best practices.
Read Also: Nigerian Freight Forwarders In U.S Seek Review Of New Vehicle Clearing Fee
She said: “It is important to note that one of the pillars in the agenda of the State Government accommodates markets in the State. This is evident in the fourth pillar, which is, “M”; “Making Lagos a Twenty-First Century Economy”; and it clearly shows that Mr Governor regards markets as an important sector amongst others.
The “All Markets Conference 2022”, I understand, is organised to guide against all forms of criminalities in the markets; to sensitise on how to collect waste in a proper manner and to guide against the incidence of fire disaster.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our market plays a vital role in the economy of the State, and most importantly in the lives of the residents of this Cosmopolitan City, hence, the inclusion of market stakeholders in our programmes in ensuring, Lagos State becomes a desirable Mega City.
“In this regard, our markets remain a key-driver for economic growth in the State, the Lagos State Government on 8th of April, 2021 inaugurated a Twenty-One (21) – Member Lagos State Market Advisory Council (LASMAC) with the responsibility of managing the affairs of markets in the State, in line with the international best practices, thus also help to acquaint them and other stakeholders with the policies of this administration”she said.
The Chairman of the association, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, while presenting an award of excellence to the Governor, stated that the entire NdigboAmaka Progressive Markets Association will support the governor for his second term ambition stating that the governor has excellently performed well in Lagos.
Kindly like us on Facebook
