Nigeria Opens New Deep Water Port in Lagos

Jan. 25, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—Nigeria has broken records on its new deep water port in terms of construction time and determination. After only four years, having been signed off on in April 2019 and continuing through the Covid pandemic the last three years, the project was completed. Commemorating the completion of the port on Jan. 23, President Muhammadu Buhari called the project “a game-changer that would redefine maritime activities in Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region.”

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria Ciu Jianchun said that “the overall economic benefits will reach more than $360 billion, becoming a new engine of economic development that will empower the southwest region and the whole country.”

“The government doesn’t need to worry about the existence of guarantees or debt risks,” he added. “It also shows that the investment climate in Nigeria can be trusted. We have every reason to be confident in Nigeria’s future development.”

The project was constructed largely by the China Harbour Engineering Company, but included help from Singapore and France. It was noted that the new port will be able to berth vessels four times the size as those currently able to dock at the existing Apapa and Tin Can Island Port. Some 170,000 jobs also will be created through its operations. The Lagos port is now the top deep sea port in West Africa and one of the most modern and efficient ports in Sub-Saharan Africa.