10 Years after, work to start on Badagry deep sea port in June, says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said the state government was determined to push development to Badagry with a new sea port.

The state government is revisiting the project ten years after the idea was conceived.

In his address at a stakeholders’ meeting in Badagry, Governor Sanwo-Olu said construction work would start on the Badagry seaport in June if ratification can be gotten from the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, by April.

Residents at the event, expressed their frustration about the delay the project has suffered.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We want to deliberately push development to this axis. The Badagry Deep Sea Port Project is not just one project; it is a multi-level opportunity for progress for all the people of this state in view of the volume of trade and quantum of investment opportunities that would spring up in the area when the project commences, and when it is completed and operational.

“Very importantly, employment and capacity building for the teeming youth and women in the affected communities will be prioritised.

“About ten years ago during the administration of one of my predecessors, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, this Sea Port Project, which is the reason we have organized today’s Community engagement, was conceived as a flagship project that when fully operational, would not only boost the fortunes of the people of Badagry, but, also transform the entire economy of our state and that of the entire West African sub-region.”

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Mrs Lola Akande at the event said the state government hope to chart a way forward in ensuring smooth and cordial relationship between the investor, Badagry Deep Sea Port Limited and members of the host communities.

Managing Director, Badagry Sea Port, Mr Didi Ndiomu, in his remarks said the deep seaport project will be developed in four phases under a public private partnership arrangement that includes the supporting roles of both Lagos State and the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, NPA, as well as other relevant government agencies.

He also noted that the affected communities would be compensated.

One of the baale’s in the axis, Nicholas Asapo in his address to Governor Sanwo-Olu said the conseptualisation of the Port project is poor without compensation, noting that having the meeting in Badagry was the right thing to do.

Alapa of Apa kingdom, Oba Oyekan Adekanbi Ajose, said ten out of the twelve communities were in full support of the project in their communities.