Introducing Lekki Port: Nigeria’s first deep-sea port, set to be one of the largest in West Africa.
The fully-automated, multi-purpose port, which will offer 3 container berths, 1 dry bulk berth and 3 liquid berths, is set to generate 200,000 new jobs and generate around $2 billion, boosting the country’s GDP.
The port was developed by a consortium comprising of, China Harbour Engineering Company, Tolaram, Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority, all playing their role in the success of the Port.
The special purpose vehicle for the operations of the port is Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), with CEO, Du Ruogang, and COO, Laurence Smith, guiding it to success.
Behind Every Great Team
A project set to be as impactful and transformative as Lekki Port needs an experienced leader to steer the ship, as it were. When it comes to experience, it would have been remiss of Lekki Port to look any further than Laurence Smith.
Now based in Lagos, Laurence is a far cry from his roots in Southampton. Hailing from a family of stevedores, in which Laurence grew his water wings, Laurence went on to become a steeplejack and scaffolder, until stepping into port management at the Port of Southampton.
From roles as the youngest foreman to marine manager, Laurence travelled the world with DP World developing operations in places such as Spain and Cyprus, as well as several terms in Nigeria.
Having attempted retirement twice, it’s clear that this COO is passionate about challenge, developing environments, and people.
“During my time at AMPT Apapa in Lagos, I got a real understanding of the drive of the Nigerian people. Nigeria has the potential to be a world-leader in engineering and the port industry, given the right investment and support,” said Laurence, “I couldn’t refuse the offer to work at Lekki Port, it has unrelenting potential to turn Nigeria into one of the world’s greatest exporters”.
Whilst developing his career at DP World, Laurence entered its GOLD Programme leadership training. Not only does this training focus on the technical aspects of people management but also takes a psychological approach.
“It’s during this time I learnt the importance of first understanding yourself to then be able to understand others. It’s key to learn what will get the best out of your employees. I believe in creating an autonomous environment where everyone has a voice and the courage to “try”,” shared Laurence.
Global Standards, World Class Facilities
With his career-spanning knowledge and expertise, Laurence is the perfect candidate to support the implementation of global standards into Lekki Port, ensuring its potential to become the port of choice.
Lekki Port is spread over 90 hectares of land in the heart of the Lagos Free Zone, just 65 kms east of Lagos city. The port is perfectly situated for transhipment and bunkering, ultimately saving a significant amount of time and money for cargo firms.
In addition, the port expects a projected throughput of 2.7 million TEU per annum.
“The layout of the port, including the layout of the approach channel, turning circle, and harbour basins have been derived from optimisations of port operations, construction costs, and possible future extensions,” explained Laurence.
LPLEL has been awarded the concession for 45 years by the Nigerian Ports Authority on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, with the potential to extend for an additional 25 years. Under the agreement, LPLEL will manage the interface between NPA, Lekki Port and three industry specialist terminal operators. In phase 1, the container terminal will be operated by Lekki Freeport Terminal, a subsidiary of CMA CGM.
In January 2023, the port was officially commissioned by Nigerian leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, and will be commercially operational by April 2023.
“Lekki Port is an incredible achievement for Nigeria and the Nigerian Maritime industry. Everyone involved should be applauded for its success so far, as well as for the impact it will have on Nigeria in the future,” said Laurence.
Constructing Nigeria’s Future
A current challenge for LPLEL is ensuring the implementation of infrastructure in and out of the port zone.
“The road system is currently being built, with completion expected by 2024,” shared Laurence.
Throughout the construction of infrastructure, LPLEL are ensuring an inherently sustainable approach, focussing on congestion reduction in the area.
A number of new key road and bridge projects and expansion of existing highways are under development, connecting Lekki Port further into the hinterlands.
“We are encouraging the government to consider the benefits of expanding the infrastructure far north, which will open up a vast opportunity for import and export into countries such as Chad and Niger,” said Laurence.
In addition to mitigating emissions through reducing congestion, LPLEL is considering other measures it can implement into the Port to encourage a sustainable future.
“We are in discussions with JPN about the potential of wind farms off of the port, as well as considering how solar power could work,” shared Laurence, “it’s important that we consider what the future could look like for Nigeria and the port itself. Whilst Nigeria isn’t equipped for certain measures yet, it must be considered for the future”.
Exponential Opportunity
In 2022, migration from Nigeria saw a decline of 2.5%, which, arguably could be in part due to increasing opportunities within the country.
“There is a lot of talent in Nigeria, with 10% of the population currently in university,” explained Laurence, “one of our focusses is reviewing how we can attract and keep this talent at the port, and give people the opportunity to develop in the engineering and port industries,”.
Currently, the port is undergoing a vast training initiative to assist in the implementation of the first ship to shore cranes in many years. In addition, LPLEL runs diverse CSR initiatives, including schooling and scholarships.
Ultimately, LPLEL wants to encourage confidence in shipping in Nigeria, with exponential opportunities now and on the horizon.
Once infrastructure is in place, opportunities will open up in the agricultural north, as well as being able to make use of Nigeria’s mineral rich resources.
“Nigeria has a huge opportunity, and it needs to grab its future in its hands. We hope that Lekki Port will be a catalyst for change,” said Laurence.