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President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated a 32-metric tonnes per hour Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, to support rice revolution in Nigeria.
The Lagos Rice Mill, Imota is a two x 16 metric tonnes per-hour mill standing on an area of 8.5 hectares of land.
The project has an annual paddy requirement of over 240,000 metric tonnes to produce 2.5 million bags of 5OKg rice per annum.
Buhari, who landed in Imota around 5:30 p.m. took a brief tour of the mill in company of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, Mr Colinious Ojelabi, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State and Mr Ganiyu Solomon, APC Presidential Campaign Committee Chairman, Lagos.
Other dignitaries who accompanied the president include; Ms Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Rotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the governor on Rice Initiative, NiDCOM boss, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and traditional rulers Jimi Benson and Oba Gbolahan Lawal.
The president unveiled the rice and observed a brief display of how it is being produced and packaged.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos was ready to support Buhari’s rice revolution.
According to him, the Lagos Imota Rice Mill is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agricultural revolution.
“When he started his government, he says Nigeria must grow what they eat and they should eat what they grow.
“We are happy that Lagos is the testament for that. With 2.8 million bags of 50kg rice per annum, Lagos is ready to support rice and food revolution in Nigeria.
“The units rice mill will create close to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs. We want to thank the local communities of Imota in Ikorodu. We thank you all for waiting patiently.
“Mr president is indeed excited that we have stated another first in Nigeria and in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Also speaking, Olusanya said that the mill would produce wholesome rice to Lagos residents at affordable price.
Also, Fashola said the mill would perform cleaning, boiling, drying, sorting, hauling, polishing and bagging of rice using digital, automated and latest machine in the world.
In his contribution, Dr Femi Oke, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State and South-West Zone, commended the state government for the laudable initiative.
Oke said that farmers would continue to support the mill by providing more paddy.
Mr Raphael Hunsa, the Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, said the new rice mill would encourage farmers to produce more in the state.
Hunsa urged the state government to continue to empower farmers with implements in order to increase paddy production to feed the mill.
“This project is very wonderful, it is a thing of joy to us as rice farmers in Lagos. I am happy that such a thing is happening in Lagos,” he said.
State government officials, traditional rulers, members of AFAN, Ogbonge Women Farmers Association, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria and secondary school students are among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Rice mill inauguration excites Lagos traditional rulers
Meanwhile, traditional rulers in Lagos have applauded the Lagos State Government for the completion and inauguration of the Eko Rice Mill in Imota community, Ikorodu.
The traditional rulers described the project as a landmark achievement.
The traditional rulers are; Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu; Oba Ajibade Agoro, the traditional ruler of Imota and Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shotobi, commended both the federal and state governments for siting the rice mill in Imota and promised that the project would be maintained by the community.
He said the rice mill would bring enormous economic opportunities to the community and jobs for the teeming youths in the area.
According to him, the rice mill will bring great opportunity to Imota especially on employment.
“I urge our youth to stop searching for white collar jobs but focus on agricultural or study agric to increase the country’s food chain,” he said.
Also, the host traditional ruler of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, said the project would boost the commercial and economic development of the Imota community.
He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos for initiating and seeing to the completion of the rice mill, saying that the facility would have a multiplier positive effect on the community.
“I am the happiest man on earth today because it was during my reign as the Oba of Imota that this is happening.
“I am 30 years on the throne and I am going to celebrate it with this inauguration because it is a landmark achievement bestowed on the people of Imota during my tenure.
“This plant will bring about those factors of production that will promote commercial and economic development.
“This mill is projected to create up to 250,000 jobs, just imagine the multiplying effect of such number if added to our community with their dependents,” Agoro said.
Also speaking, Oba Lawal, the Oniru of Iru land, commended the Lagos State Government for being the first state to have a state owned mill and the host community for providing the land.
He noted that the rice project which was first initiated as Eko Rice had contributed immensely to the state growth and provided jobs through the rice value chain right from production to milling and transportation.
“I am very happy for this development. I remember 2011 to 2012, when the Eko Rice started, it was 2.5 metric tonnes capacity.
“We are able to create a lot of jobs through the rice value chain.
“Today, we are on eight hectares of land optimally utilised and the number of jobs it will create is awesome, this is the biggest in West Africa,” Oniru said.
Buhari inaugurates 16.5 metres deep Lekki Sea Port
Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated the 16.5 metres deep Lekki Sea Port in Lagos.
President Buhari, who arrived at the venue in an helicopter alongside Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu , cut the ceremonial tape at the port at 4.42 p.m.
The President, thereafter, proceeded on a brief drive-through inspection of the project.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port is a multipurpose sea port at the heart of Lagos Free Zone, poised to be the most modern and deepest seaport in West Africa.
It offers critical support to flourishing commercial operations in Lagos state, across Nigeria and the entire West African region.
The port is ideally positioned to service the gateway for Nigeria and the surrounding West African region.
Speaking after President Buhari cut the tape, Sanwo-Olu said the multi-billion naira project was a collaboration between the Federal Government, the Lagos state government and the private sector stakeholders.
Sanwo-Olu described the project as the biggest infrastructure in the whole of West Africa, which would surely generate thousands of jobs in the country.
He said the execution of the project took off under Buhari’s administration and was completed during the President’s tenure, a milestone to be proud of.
The governor, therefore, thanked the President for his commitment to the development of the country and appreciated all those who contributed immensely to bringing the project to reality.
Prior to the arrival of the President, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs Lola Akande, had in a speech said that the Deep Sea Port would complement other ports in the country.
Akande said that the port would further deepen Lagos’ position as an investment hub in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Laisi Ogunbekun thanked the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sen. Bola Tinubu for conceiving the Lekki Free Zone, where the port is situated.
Ogunbekun expressed continued support of all members of the Lekki community for development projects in the axis.
In a remark, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, LFTZ Enterprise, Mr Du Rougang thanked the host community for their cooperation.
Rougang said that the organisation would continue to work with relevant government agencies toward the growth of the economy.
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, his Information and Culture counterpart, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, heads of government agencies in the transportation sector, traditional rulers in the Lekki community and top businessmen.
Lekki Port, model for other deep sea ports in Nigeria – Bello-Koko
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday described the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a model for other deep sea ports in the country.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, said this at the official inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port by President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos.
Bello-Koko said that the Lekki Deep Sea Port was the deepest and most modern port in the country that accommodate bigger vessels and cargoes.
“This will be a model for other deep sea ports in Nigeria and I say congratulations to the investors and the project delivery team, the Lekki Port management team for a job well done,” he said.
Bello-Koko also appreciated President Muhammed Buhari for the necessary approval and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for making the project a reality.
“Recall that the port has been in the drawing board for over 10 years, four years ago when we came here it was just a sand-filled area.
“Today, we are talking about the commissioning and we thank the president for the approval given to make this happen,” he said.
He noted that the Lekki Deep Port was just the beginning of greater things in the sector.
Bello-Koko said that the NPA as the regulator would be responsible for providing marine services and others needed to ensure seamless service delivery.
Also, Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, said that Nigeria had seen the emergency of one of the best ports in West Africa.
“Today, we are seeing the realisation of the commissioning of the best port in African that is expected to inject not less than $360 billion and provide employment to not less than 190,000 Nigerians.
“Secondly, we have seen dedication and political will on this project. This project commenced and started by this administration with sincerity of purpose,” Jamoh said.
Also in his contribution, Mr Emmanuel Jime, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’Council, noted that he was glad to witness the delivery of what would be the game-changer in the maritime industry.
Jime congratulated the Federal Ministry of Transportation and all the stakeholders involved in the delivery of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Mr Tang Qiaoliang, noted that the port would improve the Nigerian port industry, ease burden of cargo shipment flow, create employment, and promote international trade.
“As an international top-tier engineering contractor, investment operator, urban developer and ecological manager, CHEC insists to its philosophy ‘value-orientation’, commits itself to upgrading of ‘platform plus industrial leading’ strategy.
“With such strategy, we see the opportunity in Nigeria, and believe in its potential. So, we committed the adequate financial investment and essential technology, together with Nigerians in the construction and operation of the port.
“Under the framework of the China Africa Forum and the Belt and Road Initiative, we look forward to establishing a long-term strategic partnerships, in the infrastructure sector with the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Oiaoliang said.
He noted that the project would deepen the bilateral trade and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is a joint venture enterprise owned by foreign promoters, Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc (comprising China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. and Tolaram), the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government.
LPLEL is incorporated under the Companies & Allied Matters Act regime and licensed by the Lagos Free Zone to operate in the Free Zone under the NEPZ Act. This opens a host of benefits for Lekki Port regarding taxes, duties, and other incentives.
The Lekki Port is a multi-purpose Deep Sea Port at the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of the most modern ports, supporting the burgeoning trade across Nigeria and the entire West African region.
The shareholders of this visionary project are the NPA, the Lagos State Government, China Harbour Engineering Company, and Tolaram.
Lekki Port to facilitate trade volume growth, increase GDP
The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Ltd. (LPLEL), promoter of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, says the port will boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Promote (GDP) and facilitate trade volume.
The Managing Director of LPLEL, Mr Du Ruogang, while addressing the media during the official inauguration of the Lekki Port by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that the macro-economic benefit of the port was enormous.
Ruogang noted that the Lekki Port remains a game-changer that would redefine maritime activities in Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region.
He highlighted other benefits to include; improvement of external trade competitiveness through improved port efficiency, cost-effective port operations and services, and improved turnaround time for cargo handling and clearance.
He listed other benefits of the port as reduction in delays in the supply of raw materials and equipment, reduction in cost of importations and charges such as demurrage, among others.
“With Lekki Port, Nigeria will witness a growth in maritime traffic and global trade and strengthen connectivity and capability to provide efficient and reliable services.
“Lekki Port, no doubt, will be a critical engine that will drive the Nigerian economy upon commencement of operations. I am equally confident that it will help to reinforce Nigeria’s status as a regional maritime hub and enable many related industries to flourish,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal, operated by CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of CMA CGM Group, Mr Denrick Moos, said that the Lekki Port would become a new generation container terminal, a game changing infrastructure in Nigeria and West Africa in addition to its state-of-the-art infrastructure.
“The Port is Nigeria’s first deep sea port and is equipped with 13 quay cranes for a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) on a 1.2 kilometre quay with a depth of 16 meters, it will operate vessels with a capacity of up to 15,000 TEUs and become one of the largest in West Africa.
“Through the new container terminal at Lekki Port, the CMA CGM Group will further develop its presence in Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy and population, and the most important consumer market in West Africa and will consolidate its African global shipping and logistics network.
“Committed to supporting its customers’ supply chains in Nigeria and West Africa with a comprehensive range of shipping and logistics solutions, the CMA CGM Group also participates in strengthening the region’s logistics and ports infrastructures through significant investments as a global port operator with its subsidiary CMA Terminals,” he said.
Also, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that the project was a big testament to the commitment of the government to support the provision of necessary infrastructure that would improve the economic fortunes of Lagosians by providing thousands of jobs for the people and impacting their lives positively.
On his part, the Chairman of Lekki Port, Mr Biodun Dabiri, expressed profound gratitude to the President and his team for giving all the necessary backing that ensured the project came to fruition.
He stressed that the management of the Port is working round-the-clock to get the port operational soon.
“We owe a great deal of this success to the visionary leadership of President Buhari, who provided the much-needed support to make the project a reality and appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu, and all other stakeholders for their role in the actualization of the Port.
“For us, we will continue to be a willing partner in the quest to achieve significant economic growth by investing in Nigeria,” Dabiri said.
The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) is a joint venture enterprise owned by foreign promoters, Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc (comprising China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. and Tolaram), the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government of NPA.
LPLEL is incorporated under the Companies & Allied Matters Act regime and licensed by the Lagos Free Zone to operate in the Free Zone under the NEPZ Act. This opens a host of benefits for Lekki Port regarding taxes, duties, and other incentives.
The Lekki Port is a multi-purpose Deep Sea Port at the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of the most modern ports, supporting the burgeoning trade across Nigeria and the entire West African region.