The Lagos state government has concluded plans to construct new seaport in the Badagry area of the state.
The government said the essence was to stop congestion at the Apapa seaport.
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of the state, disclosed this in Lagos at the All Markets Conference 2022 (AMC’22) with the theme: Development and Sustainability of the Nation’s Economy,’ organised by the Ndigboamaka Progressive (Markets) Association.
He said the state government had secured a land for the project, but was only waiting for the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He said that the facilities at the Apapa Seaport have been overstretched, while efforts to reduce the challenges at the port by the government had produced a little result.
According to him,the construction of new seaport at Lekki would be completed before the end of the year.
He added : ”The government will start the construction of Babadry Port very soon. Apapa Port is overstretched and the capacity is becoming inadequate.
”For the Badagry Port, we have already secured a land and we are only waiting for FEC approval to commence work.”
He assured that work would be completed on the Mile 2-Badafry road before the end of the year.
He also advised traders to be extremely careful or fire disaster during the dry season, stressing that fire outbreaks occur more between October-March of each year.
He added:”It’s during this season that we usually have incidents of fire outbreaks. Combustive items and materials should be avoided in and around markets at this time.”
Speaking Dr. Jude Okeke, the President, Ndigboamaka appealed to the Lagos State Government to carry along the traders in their policies and laws.
He emphasised that there was the need to encourage traders across the country in order to sustain the economy of the nation, pointing out that through this means, the West had witnessed massive development.
He further appealed to Sanwo-Olu to rid the markets in the state of touts and touting activities, decrying that they have practically taken over most markets in the state.