Lekki Port, NDLEA deepen alliance to tighten maritime security, secure trade

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive key economic assets, including the Dagbolu Dry Port and the Free Trade Zone to improve trade facilitation, boost logistics and position the state as a competitive industrial and export hub in the country.

Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), also pledged to revive the Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport, as part of a comprehensive strategy to reposition the state as a leading investment and industrial destination.

He made the commitment, at the weekend, while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), who paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo.

Oyebamiji, while addressing the journalists, unveiled his Osun prosperity agenda themed: “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development,” describing it as a practical blueprint for economic transformation, inclusive governance and sustainable development.

HOWEVER, the management of Lekki Deep Seaport has strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to enhance security, facilitate legitimate trade, safeguard Nigeria’s supply chains and combat illicit drug trafficking through the ports.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, while speaking during a familiarisation visit to the port facility at the weekend and engaged in strategic discussions with the Lekki Port management to strengthen collaboration in securing Nigeria’s maritime gateway, said the NDLEA played a critical role in ensuring that the port operates in line with global security standards.

Oyebamiji said that unlocking the economic potentials of those strategic assets would stimulate commerce, strengthen tourism, attract local and foreign investment, support entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities across the state.

The APC gubernatorial candidate promised targeted social intervention programmes to support vulnerable citizens while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions and the restoration of dignity in the public service.

He also pledged to drive employment through public works programmes, enterprise support initiatives and strategic investments capable of generating sustainable jobs, particularly for young people, among others.

Also speaking, WABOTAN President, Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a high-performing administrator, adding that his success stories at NIWA will be replicated in Osun State.

Fajemirokun emphasised that under Oyebamiji’s leadership, Osun State could emerge as a leading player in marine and blue economy development, especially maritime tourism via Osogbo Groove, Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, among others. Marwa, however, commended Lekki Port management for its growing contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

He noted that as maritime trade continues to expand, stronger partnerships, intelligence sharing and robust security measures would remain critical to safeguarding the ports and preserving the integrity of the nation’s supply chains.

On his part, Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, lauded the NDLEA for its proactive role in protecting Nigeria’s borders against illicit drug trafficking while supporting the seamless movement of legitimate cargo, noting that security remains a cornerstone of the port’s operations.