Lekki Port Access: Lagos Plans Six-lane Highway To Shagamu

By Kenneth Jukpor

As part of efforts to reduce the logistics constraints with the establishment of the Lekki deep seaport, the Governor of Lagos State has revealed that a six-lane access road will connect Lekki to Shagamu along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

This is coming on the heels of Federal Government and the Lagos State government anticipated earnings of over $201 billion in 45 years when the Lekki Deep Sea Port becomes fully operational.

Sanwo-Olu revealed this during his speech at the 2022 All Markets Conference organized by NDIGBOAMAKA Progressive Markets Association in Lagos, yesterday.

According to the Lagos State Governor, the six-lane road connection will be provided to link Lekki Deep Seaport to Shagamu and other locations along Lagos-Ibadan expressway to dissipate the traffic congestion in Lagos.

Meanwhile, he noted that the land for the Badagry Deep Seaport has already been secured with the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) expected soon, adding that the establishment of Badagry seaport coupled with the Lekki Deep Seaport will provide better economic and trading opportunities in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu also unveiled the new corporate logo of NDIGBOAMAKA and commended the traders for their commitment to developing Lagos, describing the enterpreneurial spirit of Ndigbo as strong and worthy of emulation as leading business schools like Harvard, are studying the trading techniques of Ibos.

His words: “Your contribution to the livelihood of your host communities have been acknowledged and in Lagos, we have created together an economy that has continued to grow and position our nation as the biggest economy in Africa. Trading is a veritable link between producers and consumers, which is the area the Ndigbo traders have tirelessly worked to define the growth trajectory of our dear State. I’m happy that our modest interventions for more growth in this area are visible and being recognized.”

Sanwo-Olu pledged that his administration would continue to protect the business interests of the Igbo people, while promising to make the State habitable for non-indigenes that abide by the laws of the State.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo encouraged NDIGBOAMAKA to work in unison and partner government agencies like Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFFAC) in maintaining order in the society.

Okonkwo encouraged the group to operate strategically like Organized Private Sector (OPS) to lobby Lagos State government and federal legislators to prioritize laws and policies that would transform trading and market environs.

He advised the traders not to vent their anger on Customs and other agencies implementing government policies but take their lobbying in a constructive manner to legislators to alter tarrifs and laws inhibiting their activities.

Okonkwo said the conference offered opportunities to engage policymakers and political administrators in charge of the commerce to lobby for regulatory actions that would further ease business activities.

In his welcome address, the Secretary General of NDIGBOAMAKA Progressive Markets Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, said: “Mr. Governor, you have not formally told us whether you are seeking re-election or not, but I want to tell you that all the market leaders seated here today are yearning for a second term for you.”

“Anytime you walk, we will walk with you. I have been directed by all market leaders under the auspices of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association in all the 58 markets, to tell you that we have endorsed you for second term to show appreciation for your friendly policy and infrastructure projects initiated to help our businesses.”