Isaac Anumihe
The Federal Government has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work in the construction of over $200 billion Lekki Port project scheduled to resume operation next year.
So far, the contractors have invested over $150 million collected from equity on the project.
Speaking when he visited the site located at Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), Ibeju-Lekki, at the weekend, the Senior Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Chidi Izuwah said that several years after the execution of of the contract, the concessionaire is yet to attain financial close on the project as a result of certain contingent challenge.
He said that the promoters had planned to attain financial close by second quarter of 2016 and commence operation by second quarter of 2019. This, he noted, implied that the project construction was to last three years.
He was of the opinion that if all the parties to the contract fully committed themselves to the project, the goals of the project would be a reality in less than three years.
“We at ICRC firmly believe that if all the parties to this contract demonstrate utmost commitment towards this project, the goals will become a reality within three years. I have said this, bearing in mind the enormous work which has already been done by the project promoters and the quantum of resources committed to this course”, he said.
The promoters of the project, he said, include, Tolaram Group (lead sponsor), Lagos State government, who has paid its part of equity contribution of 18.15 per cent; Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), who has 20 per cent equity but has so far paid about $110.9 million.
Earlier, the General Manager, Projects, of Lekki Port Enterprise (LPLE), Mr. Steven Heukelom, had noted that the breakwater construction is one of the largest components of the port construction.
On the technical partners for the project, Heukelom explained that China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), the engineering and construction arm of China Construction and Communication Company (CCCC), is the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the Port (through China Harbour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise); while Louis Berger Group, USA, one of the largest multi-disciplinary infrastructure consulting firm in the world, is the Project Management Consultant (PMC) in charge of supervising the construction of the port.
“The responsibilities of CHEC include the overall design of Lekki Port, construction of the marine and landside infrastructure for the terminals and utilities, and dredging of access channel and port basin, while Louis Berger is responsible for contract management, design review and supervision of the construction work,’’ he said.