On January 23, 2023, the Nigerian Leki Deepwater Port Project invested, constructed and operated by China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. held a port opening and operation ceremony in Lagos State in the southwest of Nigeria. President Buhari of Nigeria, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, Governor Babajid Sanvo-Olu of Lagos State, and others attended the ceremony.

President Buhari of Nigeria attended the opening and operation ceremony of the Laiki Deepwater Port Project

Buhari delivered a speech at the dinner held after the ceremony, saying that the completion and operation of Laiji Port will open a new pattern for Nigeria's economic development, effectively promote the export of Nigeria's local products, especially agricultural products, and increase the country's foreign exchange income. The port will also create a large number of jobs to help achieve the poverty reduction goal of the Nigerian government.

Cui Jianchun delivered a speech at the ceremony, saying that Laiji Port is a concrete practice for Chinese enterprises to transform their roles from engineering contracting to investment and operation. After being put into operation, it is expected to become one of the most modern and efficient ports in sub-Saharan Africa and become a new engine to promote Nigeria's economic development.

Port facilities photographed at Lagos Laki Deepwater Port, Nigeria

In his speech at the ceremony, Sanvo-Olu said that Leki Port is the largest port in Nigeria and can accommodate the largest container ship in the world. After being put into operation, it will vigorously promote Nigeria's foreign trade, inject new impetus into economic development, and continue to create a large number of jobs and benefit people's livelihood.

It is reported that the Laiji Port Project is the first modern deepwater port in Nigeria and one of the largest ports in West Africa. The project was started in June 2020 and completed in October 2022, with an annual design capacity of 1.2 million standard containers.

Ambassador Cui Jianchun delivered a speech

Ambassador Cui said that it is of great significance to realize the opening of Laichi Deepwater Port. First of all, Laiji Deepwater Port will become the engine of Nigeria's economic development. Laiji Deepwater Port is the largest deepwater port in West Africa, with an annual throughput capacity of 1.2 million TEUs, which will help Lagos further upgrade into a transit center in West and Central Africa, and is expected to create an overall economic benefit of nearly 360 billion US dollars for Nigeria in the future. Secondly, Laiji Deepwater Port is an important equity capital. The project financing mode is multi-party joint investment, and the Nigerian government does not need to worry about debt or guarantee risks. This is a valuable practice for Chinese enterprises to build major infrastructure projects in Nigeria as strategic investors. Finally, Laiji Deepwater Port is an example of business model. The investment project is jointly participated by China Harbour, Lagos State Government, Nepal Port Authority and Singapore Tolaram Corporation, and the daily operation is undertaken by France Daffy Group.

Ambassador Cui said that Africa is not a wrestling ground for big powers to play, but a big stage for international cooperation. Nigeria has a large population, broad market and huge potential. Chinese enterprises are willing to participate in the grand event with enterprises from any country in this hot land of Nigeria, promote the business model of multi-party cooperation, help the industrial upgrading of Nigeria, improve the welfare of the Nigerian people, and promote cooperation in Nigeria to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

The Governor of Sanuru said that Nigeria was excited about the operation of Laiji Deepwater Port. Laiji Deepwater Port can not be opened without the joint efforts of investors from China and other countries. Laiji Deepwater Port will directly or indirectly create 170000 jobs. During President Buhari's term of office, the project from preparation to port opening reflects the determination of the Nigerian Federal Government to strengthen infrastructure construction and improve people's well-being. Thank the Chinese construction company China Harbour and the Chinese financial institutions for their strong support for the construction of Laiji Deepwater Port.Editor/Ma Xue