The President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has expressed confidence in Badagry’s readiness for the proposed deep seaport, citing Lagos State’s significant investment opportunities and robust infrastructure. He described Badagry as a critical gateway to ECOWAS and Europe.
Speaking during an interaction with the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at their two-day retreat at Star Rise Golden Hotel, Badagry, Mr. Idris highlighted the region’s economic potential to support the seaport. A retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Idris emphasized that Badagry’s strategic location, including the Seme Border, Nigeria’s most prominent border post, and excellent intermodal transportation systems, makes it ideal for the project.
According to him, the Lagos-Sokoto Expressway and the region’s waterways can serve as transshipment routes to landlocked countries such as Niger and Chad, which already prefer Nigerian ports for their cargo.
“We are fully aware of Badagry’s economic viability. It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe, with the Seme Border being Nigeria’s most significant border post. Cargo currently offloaded at ports in Benin and Togo will be redirected to the Badagry Deep Seaport, making it a transshipment hub for Niger and Chad. Additionally, the good waterways and lagoon connectivity to Benin Republic will ease logistics,” he stated.
Idris projected that the port’s completion could reduce smuggling by up to 20% and attract more investors, creating job opportunities for artisans and vendors. He urged the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and stakeholders to address outstanding issues delaying the project’s commencement.
“As a chamber, we anticipate construction to begin in 2025. We encourage all parties to resolve the grey areas in the port agreement. This project will significantly contribute to Badagry’s growth,” he said.
Responding to concerns about the necessity of another deep seaport alongside Lekki’s, Idris argued that the massive Lagos market justifies the proposal and that promoters must have conducted thorough feasibility studies before advancing the plan.
On border policies, Idris criticized the continued closure of land borders to vehicles, describing Nigeria’s borders as too vast and porous to manage effectively. He lamented the revenue losses and dangers faced by Customs officers combating smugglers.
“The border closure is counterproductive. Smugglers are taking advantage, and officers are losing their lives in forest pursuits. The Federal Government should reopen the borders to prevent revenue losses and unnecessary deaths,” he advised.
Addressing trade facilitation, he stressed the need for honesty among importers, streamlined processes, and better collaboration among agencies.
“Trade facilitation starts with transparency. Importers and agents must be truthful about their consignments to avoid multiple debit notes. Government agencies like NAFDAC and SON should have clearly delineated functions to prevent delays. Some goods also require reclassification,” he noted.
Finally, Idris commended Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi for prioritizing staff welfare, particularly in the area of promotions. “CGC Adeniyi has excelled in ensuring regular promotions, which boosts the morale of officers and men,” he said.
The proposed Badagry Deep Seaport promises to bolster Nigeria’s economy, enhance regional trade, and improve logistics for landlocked countries, solidifying Badagry’s position as a critical hub in West Africa.