BADAGRY/Nigeria: The President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Mr. Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has expressed confidence in the viability of the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport, citing the region’s vast economic potential.
Speaking during an interaction with the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at their two-day retreat, Idris, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, emphasized that Badagry’s strategic location and existing infrastructure make it ideal for the port’s development.
“Badagry is a gateway to ECOWAS and Europe, hosting Nigeria’s most significant border post. The port will also serve as a transshipment hub for landlocked countries like Niger and Chad,” he said. Idris noted that many cargoes currently destined for ports in Benin and Togo would instead be handled at the Badagry port, thanks to its efficient waterway connections.
He added that the port’s construction would reduce smuggling activities significantly. “Though it may not eliminate smuggling entirely, it will decrease it by at least 20 percent,” Idris stated, highlighting the economic and security benefits of the project.
Idris called on the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and the project’s promoters to resolve outstanding issues delaying the port’s commencement, expressing optimism that construction could begin by 2025. “We urge all stakeholders to address grey areas in the agreement. This port will spur growth, attract investors, and create jobs for artisans and vendors in Badagry,” he said.
While acknowledging the operational presence of the Lekki Deep Seaport, Idris argued that the Badagry port remains a necessity due to Lagos’ massive market and the thorough feasibility studies backing the project.
On border policy, Idris criticized the continued closure of land borders to vehicles, describing Nigeria’s borders as “too vast and porous” to manage effectively. He lamented the loss of revenue to smugglers and the risks faced by Customs officers, urging the government to reopen borders for vehicle imports to prevent further casualties and revenue losses.
Idris also stressed the need for enhanced trade facilitation, urging transparency among importers and streamlined operations among regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and SON. “Duplicated roles delay trade facilitation. Proper delineation of agency functions and reclassification of certain goods are necessary to improve efficiency,” he explained.
The BACCIMA president lauded the Nigeria Customs Service under Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi for prioritizing staff welfare and regular promotions. “The promotion of officers boosts morale, and CGC Adeniyi has excelled in this regard,” he concluded.
Idris reiterated the chamber’s commitment to supporting the port project and advancing Badagry’s economic development.
