President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Lagos, estimated to have cost about $2.5 billion.
The plant reputed to be Africa’s largest granulated urea fertiliser complex occupies 500 hectares of land in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.
At the tape cutting ceremony, President Buhari said the plant would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on importation and increase its foreign earnings.
He also expressed optimism that the fertiliser plant would further create employment, reduce poverty and increase wealth.
“On behalf of the very very large community and millions of direct and indirect jobs that this complex will be providing, I want to thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote”, the Lagos State Governor, Babanide Sanwo-Olu said.
President, Dangote Group of Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stated that the company was working with farmer associations, corporate farms, NPK blenders, development partners and state governments all over Nigeria, as well as governments across Africa and beyond who are looking for sustainable approach to improve soil and farm yields.
“Our goal is to make fertiliser available in sufficient quantities and quality for our teeming farmers, assuring greater agricultural outputs”, Alhaji Aliko said.
Similarly, President Buhari also inspected the ongoing construction work at the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
The President who did a very brief inspection of the Port was accompanied by the APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed amongst others.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi had earlier told journalists, that inviting the President had forced the contractors handling the project, China Construction Communication to speed up work.
Mr Amaechi noted that the project would be due for commissioning by September.
The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong noted that the port would facilitate activities of the Jos Dry Port, being handled by the Nigerian Shippers Council.
Also, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko said the Lekki Deep Sea Port would be properly regulated, just like the Tin Can Island and Apapa Port, adding that the port would ensure speedy delivery and clearing of goods and cargoes.
”So what it means is that there will be a reduction in the traffic and the pressure on tincan and apapa port”, Mr Koko said.
The visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Lekki Deep Sea Port also had in attendance the Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh and major stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, at Ibeju Lekki Lagos began in 2017 and is estimated to add $461 billion to the country’s GDP in 35 years.
The Lagos State Government injected ₦106 million into the project.
RN