Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, has described Lekki Port as a catalyst and a game-changer that would contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

Adeniyi who paid a working visit to the port, said it will serve as a massive source of revenue for the government, given its capacity to handle large vessels.

He affirmed the service support towards the seamless operations of the Seaport as a key contributor to the national economy.

Adeniyi disclosed that the agency will provide all necessary support to Lekki Port to facilitate and boost trade in Nigeria in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Du Ruogang, thanked the new Acting Comptroller General for honoring the port’s invitation to pay a visit so early in his term as acting CG.“On behalf of the port promoters, China Harbour and Tolaram.

Ruogang said, “Lekki Port is eager to cooperate with you to leverage technology and automation for more efficient customs operations.”

Ruogang explained that Lekki Port had all the modern equipment and the features of a global port available in China, Singapore, Malaysia and Tangier. adding that the cooperation of the Customs is crucial to the port’s success as a very smooth and efficient customs operation is key to attracting customers to the port.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of the container terminal operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Yann Magarian said with the commencement of commercial operations at Lekki Freeport Terminal, Nigeria’s position as the maritime hub of West Africa has been restored.

“In the few months of operations, we have achieved significant milestones at the Lekki Freeport terminal. These include increased productivity at Nigerian Ports using our state-of-the-art super post-Panamax cranes.

” This has allowed us to reduce operational hours on vessels while at berth; commissioning two of the fastest scanning machines in the country, which allows the scanning of containers in less than one minute and the commencement of transhipment services in Nigeria. This is the first of its kind. We are progressively returning container trade lost to neighbouring West African ports,” he said.

In addition, Magarian commended the Federal Government of Nigeria and various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Customs Service, for their support in making Lekki Port a reality.

The acting CG and his entourage were taken on a tour of the container terminal, where they observed the ship-to-shore cranes and RTGs and observed the scanners in operation.