The Lekki Deep Seaport, Lagos, has received the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessel to visit any Nigerian seaports.
The vessel operated by French shipping giant CMA/CGM, named MV SCANDOLA, was received by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, berthed at the $1.5billion first deep seaport in Nigeria by 1600 hours, yesterday.
Other dignitaries that received the vessel are, the managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko; the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Ukeyima Akutah, represented by director, Monitoring and Compliance, Cajetan Agu; the President Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, represented by Dr Adenike Fajemirokun; the Chairperson, Seaports Terminal Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup; President General, Marítime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Adewale Adeyanju, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State governor, disclosed that the accomplishment of Lekki Port in welcoming the largest LNG-powered container vessel; CMA CGM SCANDOLA, within just one year of its operation has enshrined Nigeria as significant players in global port transactions.
The governor who emphasised the transformative role of Lekki Port said the berthing of the vessel put Lagos and Nigeria on the map of global port transactions.
The governor further said that the vision for the state extended beyond the current achievement, envisioning Lagos as a pivotal hub, not only for West Africa but for Central Africa and potentially Southern Africa in the realm of logistics and container terminals.
The governor also expressed the determination to make Lagos the safest part of sub-Saharan Africa, fostering an environment where businesses thrive and investments are secured.
“I think it’s a big feat. It’s something that we really need to roll out drums and get proud of because what that is about is, indeed, we’re putting Lekki Freeport, Lagos, Nigeria into the world’s global logistics marine business.
