Business
Lekki Port Construction Commences, Soon
Construction work at the proposed deep sea port at the Lekki Peninsular will commence during the third quarter of the year, after years of fine-tuning and redesigning of the concept and design of the project.
In a statement by Mr. Kundan Sainani, director of Lekki Port LFTZ, the promoter of the port project, he said that the company was at the stage of finalising the critical agreements with the government regulatory authorities, after which construction would start.
According to Sainani, Project Management Consultants, Louis Berger Group Inc. (LBG), a United States-based firm, had already received bids for the construction from short listed contractors across the globe.
Presently, LBG is said to be analysing technical and commercial proposals for the port project while final selection is expected to be concluded soon.
Sainani also maintained that his organisation had conducted a macro economic impact study on the feasibility of the Lekki port project, and that it had also confirmed the direct and indirect benefits and positive impacts on the Nigerian economy. These benefits support growth in GDP; generate employment and supplement revenue generation, to mention a few advantages.
“It is estimated that the activities at the port would account for about 250,000 direct jobs when it reaches its peak capacity of operations. The Federal Government will earn revenue in excess of N3.47 trillion, while Lagos State will generate around N930 billion during the proposed concession period,” Sainani said.
He also added that his organisation has been holding consultations with the Lagos State Government on developing the requisite roads and infrastructure to support the project, adding that he was encouraged by the response and support from government.
Sainani also reported that all preliminary studies such as, oceanographic, bathymetry, simulations, sediment transport, break water testing, traffic studies and related matters have been carried out by the world class institutions, which has resulted in the Lekki port attaining its final environmental impact analysis certificate from the Federal Ministry of Environment and final technical approval for construction of the port by the NPA.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
