U.S. Mission Visits Lekki Deep Sea Port

Segun James

A delegation of American Business Council and the United States Consulate General over the weekend visited the Lagos Free Zone to assess the Lekki Deep Sea Port to review the benefits of the initiatives for U.S. businesses and showcase those that have already availed themselves to them.

The Consulate General, Ms. Claire Pierangelo, said that “there are many challenges that businesses face here in Nigeria, but the Free Zone and Lekki Deepwater Sea Port represent great strides forward. These projects have, very systematically and thoughtfully, created an enabling environment where many other businesses can thrive.”

Pierangelo commended the leadership of Tolaram Group, the promoter of LFZ, for embarking on such an “amazing and very ambitious project,” which has the capacity to transform the Nigerian economy and unlock new opportunities for global trade in sub-Saharan Africa.”

She reiterated the commitment of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to facilitate U.S. investments into the country for the mutual benefit of both nations and promised to continue to engage relevant stakeholders to continue the push toward a business-friendly Nigeria.

Mr. Dipo Faulkner, President of the American Business Council, also addressed the delegation and remarked that Kellogg’s and Colgate-Palmolive were “two key America brands thriving in Nigeria despite the numerous business challenges” and encouraged more U.S. companies to see the LFZ as a solution to overcoming these challenges.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tolaram Group, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, expressed his appreciation to Pierangelo and her entire delegation for the visit.

Rathi state that the company would conduct business for the benefit of both Nigeria and its stakeholders in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

He urged the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts to boost the viability of foreign businesses within the country.

The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port and associated LFZ is an integral part of the federal and state governments’ effort to capture trade in West Africa.

The first phase of the port is scheduled to become operational in 2022. It sits on over 350 hectares located approximately 65 kilometres east of Lagos and well-positioned to serve all parts of the country and the West African region.

Upon completion, the port will have a container terminal covering an area of 50 hectares with two container berths capable of accommodating ultra large ships transporting over 14,000 containers.