By Dansu Peter A retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs and President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, ...
By Dansu Peter
Speaking during an interaction with the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at a retreat in Badagry, Mr. Oladiran emphasized the readiness of the ancient city to host the deep seaport, projecting that it could become operational by 2025.
According to him, Badagry's strategic location as the gateway to ECOWAS and Europe, coupled with its proximity to the Seme Border, makes it an ideal hub for economic activities. He highlighted the town's robust intermodal transportation network, including waterways and the Lagos-Sokoto Expressway, which positions it as a transshipment route for landlocked countries like Niger Republic and Chad.
"We are fully aware of the economic potential of Badagry. It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe and the home of Nigeria’s most significant border post, Seme Border. With the port, smuggling can be reduced significantly, and trade with neighboring countries will flourish,” he stated.
Mr. Oladiran also noted that the seaport would attract substantial investment, create job opportunities for artisans and vendors, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign ports. He urged the government, promoters, and local stakeholders to resolve disputes and fast-track the construction process, underscoring the project's significance to Badagry's growth.
Addressing concerns about the need for another deep seaport in Lagos, he argued that the massive market size and economic activities in Lagos justify the project, adding that thorough feasibility studies must have informed the decision to site the port in Badagry.
On other trade-related issues, Mr. Oladiran criticized the prolonged closure of land borders to vehicles, citing revenue losses and the risks faced by Customs officers battling smugglers. He called for the reopening of borders to curtail smuggling and enhance revenue generation.
The former customs officer also advocated for improved trade facilitation, urging importers, agents, and regulatory agencies to embrace transparency and collaboration. “Trade facilitation is a shared responsibility. Importers need to be honest, and agencies like NAFDAC and SON should streamline their processes to avoid delays,” he remarked.
Commending the Nigeria Customs Service under Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, Mr. Oladiran lauded the agency for prioritizing the welfare and promotion of its personnel, which he described as crucial to boosting staff morale and operational efficiency.
As stakeholders await the commencement of the Badagry Deep Seaport, the retired customs chief reiterated his optimism about the project's transformative potential for Badagry and Nigeria at large.
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