Government urged to provide infrastructure to aid port operations

The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Dinesh Rathi, has called on the government at both state and federal levels to support the private sector in creating a port-based ecosystem that encourages the diversity of businesses around it as this would help advance the economic prosperity of not just Nigeria but the entire West-African region.

He stressed the need for government to provide road infrastructure and develop barging facilities to help to decongest existing and upcoming ports.

The Secretary-General of the African Shipowners Association, Mrs Funmilayo Folorunsho, who commended stakeholders, including promoters of Lekki Port on the port initiatives, noted that government should intensify efforts in providing the much-needed infrastructure that would enhance the efficiency of the Port.
 
“What a cargo owner needs are to be able to take his cargo to the port. We need to utilise the barges as a way of evacuating cargoes. First of all, we need to transport the cargo. If it is by road or barge, it is an investment opportunity because it creates a lot of employment. I see more opportunities than problems. A lot of cargoes meant for Nigeria are being diverted to neighbouring countries like Togo (Lome) because our ports are not efficient”, Folorunsho said.
 
She noted that a substantial potential needs to be harnessed, especially with the African Free Continental Trade Agreement coming on stream, stating that Nigeria can become the maritime hub of the African region provided necessary port facilities are put in place.
 
Executive Director Lotus Bank, Isiaka Lawal-Ajani, identified the lack of a suitable skill set, uncertainty in the business environment, lack of access to financing and inadequate infrastructure as well as forex as some of the problems or challenges facing MSMEs in Lagos.