The logistics industrial park as the second phase of the Lekki Port, a signature project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative in Nigeria, started construction on Friday.
Constructed by the China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), the Lekki Deep Sea Port is the largest seaport in Nigeria, and one of the biggest in West Africa. The construction of the port commenced in June 2020, and is designed to handle 1.2 million standard containers annually.
This logistics industrial park covers an area of about 40 hectares, which is equivalent to the terminal area of Lekki Port which is already completed. The logistics park is expected to be completed within two years.
"Lekki Port is situated in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The city's layout features the port at the front, the free trade zone in the central area, and the urban area at the back. Once construction is completed, the logistics industrial park will fulfill the role of industrial distribution," said Yan Yuqing, Consul General of China in Lagos.
The project focuses on the construction of warehousing and logistics facilities such as container yards, bonded warehouses, overseas warehouses, and customs supervision warehouses. The completed logistics park will be able to store and distribute bulk commodities and provide fast and convenient customs clearance services. Additionally, the self-operated fleet owned by the logistics park is expected to meet the diverse transportation needs of various goods.
"The old port of Nigeria is very crowded, and customs clearance is often delayed. This logistics industrial park will help greatly improve the port's throughput," said Li Hui, person in charge of the construction operator of the logistics industrial park.