By Sandra Chukwunyere
The President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris has revealed that the proposed deep seaport in Badagry has the potential to open up the area as a significant thriving economic zone.
Idris who made this known while interacting with the executive members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, during their two day retreat in the important historical township noted that the proposed Badagry deep seaport is more critical looking at the Lagos State huge investment window.
The retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs also noted that the Badagry deep seaport will also serve as a sub regional transshipment hub as a super highway linking ECOWAS economic corridor with Europe.
He explained that Badagry is not only home to the most significant border post in Nigeria, Seme Border, but also enjoys good intermodal transportation systems including a vibrant coastal waterways and road network from Lagos-Sokoto Expressway, servicing the landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad, and beyond.
He argued that with the right policies and enabling environment, both Niger Republic and Chad are positioned to enjoy the most cost efficient cargo transshipment from the Badagry deep seaport.
“We are fully aware of the economic viabilities of Badagry. It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe and the home of the most significant border post in Nigeria.
Majority of Nigerian cargo stemmed down at ports in Benin Republic and Togo Republic will be dropped at Badagry Deep Seaport. The port will serve as a transshipment hub for landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad.
“Badagry has a good waterway. It makes it easier to come to Badagry and down to Benin Republic through the lagoon.
As a matter of fact, the port will lead to a considerable reduction in smuggling, if not by zero percent but at least by 20%, when completed,” Idris said.
The retired Customs officer maintained that the construction of the port would attract more investors to Badagry and provide job opportunities for artisans and vendors.
He called on the Federal and Lagos State Government and promoters of the port to come to a roundtable and resolve all matters of disagreement currently hindering the commencement of the construction of the port.
“As a chamber, we are expecting the construction of the port to start in 2025. We are enjoining the government, the promoters and landowners to talk and settle the grey areas in the port agreement. The port will add to the growth of Badagry,” said he.
On whether there is a need for another deep seaport at Badagry since there is one in Lekki, Yahaya averred that Badagry deep seaport is desirable considering the massive market which Lagos command and that the promoters must have done their visibility study before proposing the establishment of the port in Badagry.
On the land border closure to vehicles, Deputy Comptroller Yahaya said Nigeria’s border is too porous and too laborious to manage considering its vastness making the country to lose a lot of revenue to vehicle smugglers, currently taking advantage of the closure.
He lamented that the major casualties have been officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service who have lost their lives while chasing smugglers in the jungle or trying to checkmate illegal movement of goods.
He advised the federal government to open up the borders and allow for the landing of vehicles through the Land borders to curtail revenue losses and unwarranted death of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.
On trade facilitation, Idris posited that trade facilitation is a collective responsibility among importers, customs agents, the Customs and other agencies involved in the cargo value chain in and out of the port.
According to him, “Trade can be facilitated when importers are honest with their consignments. Lack of transparency brings about multiple debit notes everywhere. Trade facilitation starts from importers, agents and me.
“Also, NAFDAC and SON treating the same products delays trade facilitation. Government has to intervene and delineate functions of these agencies properly. Above all, some goods need reclassification.”
The Badagry Chamber President commended the present management of the Nigeria Customs Service led by Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi for making the welfare of officers and men a priority.
“Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi has done well in terms of promotion of staff.
Officers and men will be happy when they get their promotions regularly, and CGC Adeniyi has not failed in this area.”
