Posted on January 15, 2025
The Badagry Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA, has called on the Federal Government, Lagos State government and promoters of the Badagry deep seaport to resolve all the grey areas hindering the timely actualisation of the project to allow it come on stream in 2025.
Idris who spoke at a two day retreat for members of the Chamber in Badagry, told newsmen in Lagos that the people of the city are of the conviction that the port has all the fundamentals to thrive due to the huge economic potentials of Badagry town that will support the project.
He also noted that with the huge investment opportunities and vibrant infrastructure in Lagos State, Badagry is fully ready for the proposed deep seaport because it is the superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe.
He further explained that Badagry is home of the most significant border post in Nigeria, Seme Border that also enjoys good intermodal transportation systems including good waterways and Lagos-Sokoto Expressway that can serve as a transshipment route to landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad.
He pointed out that both Niger Republic and Chad prefer Nigerian ports for their cargoes.
“We are fully aware of the economic viability of Badagry. It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe and the home of the most significant border post in Nigeria.
“Majority of Nigerian cargo stemmed down at ports in Benin Republic and Togo Republic will be dropped at Badagry Deep Seaport.
“The port will serve as a transshipment hub for landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad.
“Badagry has a good waterway. It makes it easier to come to Badagry and down to Benin Republic through the lagoon.
“As a matter of fact, the port will lead to a considerable reduction in smuggling, if not by zero percent but at least by 20%, when completed,” the former Customs chief declared.
The President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce further noted that the construction of the port would attract more investors to Badagry and provide job opportunities for artisans and vendors.
“As a chamber, we are expecting the construction of the port to start in 2025.
“We are enjoining the government, the promoters and landowners to talk and settle the grey areas in the port agreement. The port will add to the growth of Badagry,” he said.
