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The Badagry Deep Seaport project in Lagos State is a strategic step towards the development of Nigeria as a global maritime hub.
This was revealed by Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), when he paid a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of Badagry, His Royal Majesty, De-Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1, the Akran of Badagry.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications of the agency, Phillip Kyanet, the visit was symbolic, coming on the first day of the year as it is meant to honour the traditional ruler and his kingdom for allocating land to NIMASA to establish a presence in the community, as Nigeria’s maritime regulatory authority.
“Nigeria is strategically located at a significant point in the Atlantic Ocean, with about 853 kilometres coastline, which gives us a geographic advantage to become a maritime hub for not only the West and Central African region, but also the entire maritime trading world. And with over 70 per cent of cargo bound for West and Central Africa destined for Nigeria, we also have a huge commercial advantage; “The Badagry Deep Seaport planned to be Africa’s biggest and most advanced seaport when it becomes operational and would help to maximise this extraordinary maritime potential. This is more so given the strategic place of Badagry in the region”. Jamoh stated.
The DG thanked the Akran for his hospitality and his good gesture to NIMASA. He promised that the land would be judiciously utilised and assured that he would work with the traditional ruler and the kingdom to see to the implementation of the deep seaport project.
In her own remarks, Princess A. F. I. Senami Akran said the visit of the NIMASA Director-General and the coming of the deep seaport to Badagry represented a blessing to the community.
The Director-General was personally received at the palace by the Akran and his council of chiefs and was presented with the “Badagry Pilgrimage Award” which is a special recognition accorded to dignitaries for visiting the town.
Commenting on the deep seaport project, the Alipoto of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Gbenga Fayemi, said it was important for Badagry and the country, stressing that the project is suitably located since the Kingdom lies between the lagoon and the ocean.
