Lagos State to commmence $1.5bn Badagry port construction in September

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, said construction  of the planned $1.5 billion Badagry Deep Seaport will commence in 2 months. This came barely 6 days after the consortium for the project expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa emerged.

The Governor disclosed this when he led a team to inspect various developmental projects such as; the ongoing expansion works on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into 10 lanes, Badagry Deep Seaport, among others.

He said:

    “We hope that in the next two months, we would commence construction work on this project. This is my  reason for coming here personally to see things for myself.”

Assuring investors, he said,

    “We know that they (investors) have done their best to ensure the project comes to fruition,” we will also do our best to see the project commence operation within the shortest possible time.

    “The project means a lot to us in terms of employment and establishment of new settlements,” the governor added.

Ambode stressed that his administration would work effectively to bring development to the communities in the state.

Appealing to the warring communities, the governor said

    “There are 12 communities here; we will ensure that they are all compensated.

    “But in a situation where we have one or two communities still at the negotiation stage, we will ensure that we reach necessary conclusion.

    “I just want to appeal to one of the warring communities -Aivoji, that they are safe.

In regards to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, he said:

    “We are going to mobilise immediately to see that what has been done from Mile 2 to National Theatre (end of the Blue line of the Lagos lite rail) continue to Marina within the next 12 months.”

    “We should be able to put to use whatever has been done from Mile 2 to Marina. We will protect the interest of every community by supporting  them. We will be working with  them  to ensure that all issues are sorted out soon.”

    “Even as we ensure that the project is long lasting for generation yet unborn,” Ambode added.

The governor noted that the commencement of the project would not halt the ongoing Lagos-Badagy Express road project, saying

    “The project would be constructed simultaneously with the ongoing expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway into 10 lanes.”

     “And immediately they (CCECC) commence work on the road project from Mile 2 towards Badagry, once we pass the aspect of Okokomaiko, we should be able to do the Blue Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

    “The Mile 2 Badagry Expressway is very important to all of us and like we said, it’s a project that we must finish. It’s a project that I would like to be completed within the shortest possible time, so I’ll like to see greater work done on the road project itself.”

[Vanguard ]