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| President Goodluck Jonathan |
• Says FG Will Build Biggest Port In Nigeria In The Ancient Town
Even though it is a private-sector driven project, the Federal Government last weekend claimed that it was planning to build the biggest deepsea port in Badagry, Lagos state.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who raised the hope of indigenes of the ancient town on Saturday in Badagry, also said the decision to establish the seaport was part of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda
Jonathan made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, held at his palace in Badagry, Lagos State.
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, acknowledged that: "Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism, so we hold it in high esteem.
"For over 100 years, Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria but back then, it was slave that was being exported out of the country.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who raised the hope of indigenes of the ancient town on Saturday in Badagry, also said the decision to establish the seaport was part of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda
Jonathan made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi I, held at his palace in Badagry, Lagos State.
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, acknowledged that: "Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism, so we hold it in high esteem.
"For over 100 years, Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria but back then, it was slave that was being exported out of the country.
He specifically tild the monarch that: "We are making plans to build a seaport in Badagry which will be bigger than the one in Ibeju-Lekki.“The reason for this is to ensure that Badagry exports everything from Nigeria to the whole of Europe.
"With this, Badagry would be redeemed of it lost glory, and also we are not going to marginalise Badagry because it is important to the country," Jonathan said.
The President commended the Akran for instilling peace in Badagry.
"Badagry is a very peaceful place and the Akran must be commended for that because Badagry is a town of many ethnic groups and religions, but he has been able to unite everyone together.
"We appreciate your efforts and we pray God keeps on giving you strength to live for many more years," he said.
Responding, the Akran appreciated the gesture of the Federal Government to develop Badagry after several years of neglect.
Menu-Toyi urged the government not to relent in the ongoing projects in the area, especially the development of Air Force School and vehicles assembly plant.
"I would keep on doing my best in ensuring that peace continues to reign in the town." the Akran said.
Shipping Position Daily however notes that the multi-purpose Badagry port, which will also incorporate a free trade zone, is being spearheaded by a consortium of port and terminal operators, as well as investors.
The consortium includes: APM Terminals, Orlean Invest, the Macquarie Group, Oando PLC, the Chagoury Group and Terminal Investment Limited. Support for the project has also been expressed by the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Governor of Lagos State.
Originally billed to open in 2016, the deep-water full-service port is expected to be one of the largest in Africa. It will have facilities for container, bulk, liquid bulk, Ro/Ro and general cargo as well as oil and gas operations support and a barge terminal.
"With this, Badagry would be redeemed of it lost glory, and also we are not going to marginalise Badagry because it is important to the country," Jonathan said.
The President commended the Akran for instilling peace in Badagry.
"Badagry is a very peaceful place and the Akran must be commended for that because Badagry is a town of many ethnic groups and religions, but he has been able to unite everyone together.
"We appreciate your efforts and we pray God keeps on giving you strength to live for many more years," he said.
Responding, the Akran appreciated the gesture of the Federal Government to develop Badagry after several years of neglect.
Menu-Toyi urged the government not to relent in the ongoing projects in the area, especially the development of Air Force School and vehicles assembly plant.
"I would keep on doing my best in ensuring that peace continues to reign in the town." the Akran said.
Shipping Position Daily however notes that the multi-purpose Badagry port, which will also incorporate a free trade zone, is being spearheaded by a consortium of port and terminal operators, as well as investors.
The consortium includes: APM Terminals, Orlean Invest, the Macquarie Group, Oando PLC, the Chagoury Group and Terminal Investment Limited. Support for the project has also been expressed by the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Governor of Lagos State.
Originally billed to open in 2016, the deep-water full-service port is expected to be one of the largest in Africa. It will have facilities for container, bulk, liquid bulk, Ro/Ro and general cargo as well as oil and gas operations support and a barge terminal.
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