President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his satisfaction on the berthing of the first ship at Lekki Deep Sea port.

The vessel, ZHEN HUA 28, delivered three Ship to Shores (STS) and 10 Rubber Tyre Gantries (RTG) cranes that will help in the evacuation of cargoes from vessels to the shore on Friday.

In a congratulatory message contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja, Mr Buhari lauded the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Nigerian Ports Authority and all stakeholders in the maritime sector over the feat.

The president recalled that his approval of four new seaports in the country, including the Lekki Deep Sea port, hinged on growing the economy.

According to him, the decision is also aimed at creating massive job opportunities, foreign investment inflows and trade facilitation.

He commended the staff and management in the nation’s maritime sector who are working round the clock to make the operationalisation of Lekki deep sea port before the end of the year a reality.

The president reassured them of his commitment to sustain investments in these new assets.

Mr Buhari said the nation’s maritime and aquatic resources are critical to the livelihoods of Nigerians and the government will spare no effort in successfully harnessing the potential of the sector.

(NAN)