FG Awards N20 Billion Contract to Eko Support Services to Upgrade Lagos Apapa Ports

The Federal government has awarded a N 20 Billion contract for the upgrade of the Lagos Ports Complex in Apapa. The award is based on a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model and was awarded to Eko Support Services (ESS) Limited.

The project which would deepen the present 5.4 metre groove to 12 metres within two years would also result in the rehabilitation of the Bull-nose quay walls and aprons, as well as its extension and expansion, preparatory to transforming it into and oil ang gas facility reception terminal.

It will take 2 years to execute and will increase the ports stacking capacity by 1.7 hectares.

Managing Director of ESS, Mr. Semi Edu said, “This project is not a new concept. It has been within the NPA’s development plans as far back as 2000. But due to one reason or the other, they could not take it off the ground. So, we have only offered to take it off their hands, develop it and operate it for the next 20 years.

“The idea is to look for somewhere in Lagos, within the ports, where the needs of the oil and gas stakeholders may be met.  And because it is all happening within the port, it increases the chances of also bringing other kinds of cargo. As a multipurpose vision, it would no doubt assist in the decongestion of the port.”

The MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Omar Suleiman, stated, “This is a project we ought to have done a long time ago. So, we are glad it is coming up now”