Facilitating Cargo Evacuation from Lekki Port

The construction of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe-Lekki-Eleko Coastal roads, Lekki-Ajah-Eleko Coastal roads and Ikorodu-Itokin-Epe roads, have boosted cargo evacuation in and out of Lekki port, writes Gilbert Ekugbe

Residents of the Lekki-Epe, Ajah and environs can now breath a heavy sigh of relief as the fear initially expressed over the citing of a deep sea port at Lekki to bring about untold hardship as a result of traffic gridlock occasioned with unregulated truck parks around the Lekki-Epe has been finally put to rest.

During a media tour to some of the completed alternative routes to the Lekki port recently, journalists were also taken to some of the alternative routes, which are 85 per cent close to completion. It is expected that the road networks would boost easy access to the hinterland surrounding the port’s location and ensure efficient cargo handling and turnaround times. So far, the improved road network for the Lekki Port has significantly enhanced the port’s efficiency and attractiveness for businesses, leading to increased commercial opportunities and economic growth in the region.

According to a source from the Lekki deep seaport who do not want his name in print, since the completion of these alternative routes, about 60 per cent of cargoes cleared from Lekki deep seaport now leave by road while 40 percent exit through badges.

This represents a significant shift from the initial situation, where all 100 per cent of cargoes left the port via barges due to inadequate road infrastructure as the improved road network has led to a more efficient and seamless cargo evacuation process, making the port a more attractive option for shipping companies and their clients

“You have seen the progress made so far from Lekki to Eleko junction and from Eleko junction to the coastal road down to the port. You can also see the road network from Epe to Lekki when we moved past the Eleko junction. We also came through the Berger-Ijebu Ode, Itoikin into Epe where you saw state-of-the-art road facilities that would ease operations in and out of the Lekki port,” the source said.

Presently, the three major access points to the port which include the Ijebu-Ode-Epe-Eleko Junction-Coastal Road, Lekki/Ajah-Epe Expressway and Epe-Ikorodu-Hermosa-Ajah-Epe Road have been completed as cargoes can now leave the port through the Ijebu-Ode to Epe road

The 18.6km first segment of the road takes off from Eleko to Awoyaya and connects to critical sections around Majek and Ogidan while the second segment, which is 11km, starts at Ogidan and ends at Abraham Adesanya Roundabout.

The completed construction works on the Epe to Ijebu Ode expressway to support import and export has received commendation from stakeholders in the maritime industry, as they claimed that it would facilitate the seamless and efficient transportation of goods, making the port a more attractive option for importers and exporters dualisation of the Lekki-Epe road is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving the transportation network around the Lekki Port and the surrounding areas. The road project involves the expansion of the existing road from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway, which will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion

The dualisation of the Lekki-Epe road, which is 95 per cent complete is expected to enhance the movement of goods and services, making it easier for cargoes to be transported from the port to their destination

The improved road network will also facilitate the movement of people, leading to increased economic activities and growth in the region

Addressing some of the challenges associated with the nuisance caused by unregulated truck parks which include environmental and community concerns as a result of noise, air pollution, and the potential impact on local businesses and residents and to erase the perception of residents seeing truck parks as potential targets for criminals who may seek to steal or damage vehicles and cargo, the management of Lekki deep sea port constructed a truck park close to the port’s gate to facilitate the movement of cargoes and alleviate traffic congestion. The 157-capacity pre-gate truck park is designed to ensure efficient traffic management control at the port

The construction of the truck park is expected to reduce the chaotic traffic associated with cargo movement and improve overall traffic control in the area.

The park is equipped with security booths, offices, and a waiting area, and is located at the north boundary of the Lekki Port to prevent unnecessary queues at the port’s gate.

ABC Commits to Addressing Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Gilbert Ekugbe

The American Business Council (ABC) has restated its commitment to bridging the dearth of Nigeria’s cybersecurity skill gap currently put at over four million.

The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary ABC, Margaret Olele, at the launch of its virtual hub and media parley tagged, “Cybersecurity accessibility in Africa-creating an inclusive cyberspace,” said the launch is apt considering the spate of cyber attacks especially on the nation’s financial sector.

She added that the launch of the hub is aimed at providing cybersecurity training modules and fostering cybersecurity awareness for the youths in Nigeria.

She also pointed out the need to provide accessible solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure in the country, pointing out that education, training and investment in critical infrastructure is key to tackling cyber attacks while also increasing the accessibility and understanding of cybersecurity in the country.

“We are trying to create an awareness for the talent gap we have in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for capacity building and upskilling the market that can help drive cybersecurity in Nigeria,” she said.

According to her, the Council is working with the federal government and private sector in the ICT space to seek efficient and effective ways to grow Nigeria’s cyberspace.

Also speaking, the United States Commercial Counsellor for Nigeria, Julie LeBlanc, said the tech sector is very important for economic growth and development, adding that it plays a pivotal role in checkmating cyber attacks.

“The sector must be safe for Nigeria to explore all the potentials of the sector,” she said.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer, Commercio Limited, Aderonke Adeyegbe, said the virtual hub is long overdue considering the accelerated digital transformation being experienced in the country since the advent of COVID 19.

She called on African governments to help formulate policies and strategies around cybersecurity while also pointing out the need to establish a talent factory to meet Nigeria’s growing needs for cybersecurity and the world at large.