Apparently threatened by the coming on stream of a more modern Lekki Deep Seaport, terminal operators in Lagos ports have offered to deepen the existing draft of the two ports which is currently about 12 metres for Container carriers and 12.5 metres for bulk cargo carriers.
The Lagos Port Complex in Apapa is the largest Port in Nigeria. But, the Lekki deep seaport is scheduled to commence operations before the end of this year.
The terminal operators under auspices of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, (SOAN) have reportedly proposed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to deepen the Lagos ports Channel and drafts
The terminal operators are also rumoured to have pledged to raise about US$600million to dredge and deepen the Lagos ports channels with a view to attracting bigger vessels to the premier port.
Sources confirmed to our correspondent that SOAN has already made a presentation to the management of NPA seeking approval to deepen the channels.
Sources also hinted that, in response to the request, the NPA has set up a committee to look into the request of the terminal operators.
It was however learnt that the NPA is not favourably disposed to further deepening of the Lagos Port channel and the draft, because of the effect of the quays and the environment.
Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko said that the arrival of Lekki port is causing jitters among the terminal operators.
Koko also said that these terminal operators have to up their game, adding that competition is good for the industry.
He said: ‘‘Yes they must feel threatened by the emergence of the Lekki deep seaport, that means they have to up their game; besides, competition is good for the industry”.
Also speaking on the impact of the new port, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC); Mr Emmanuel Jime, explained that the Lekki deep seaport will change the face of cargo operation in Nigeria.
“From the point of view of an economic regulator, it has been something we have been looking forward to. We have dreamt that this day would come for a number of very important reasons. We have to understand that because of the draft that we are going to have at Lekki seaport and for the first time in our maritime domain, we are going to have the kind of vessels that have never berthed in our ports”, he said.
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But, when contacted on the plans by the terminal operators to further dredge the Apapa and Tin Can Port, Mr. Tunde Keshinro; General Manager at PTML Terminal, refused to comment. He simply told our correspondent that, “I am in a meeting, I can’t comment on that”.
However, the Corporate Affairs Manager of SIFAX Group, Mr Muyiwa Akande, told our correspondent that terminal operators in Lagos have no reason to be threatened, even though they see a need to further dredge the two ports in Lagos. He added that the coming on board of the Lekki Deep Seaport does not portend any threat to their business.
“I don’t see any reason terminal operators at Lagos and Tin Can port will feel threatened, we know Lekki deep seaport is a new development and we know it will take bigger vessels. But I can assure you we have no reason to be jittery, there are still a whole lot of vessels calling at our ports, while we agree that there is a need to increase the draft of these two ports in Lagos, but for now, we are still doing our business and we do not feel threatened”, he said.
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