Sino-Nigerian free trade zone set to bolster investment

The Sino-Nigerian Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ) set in the Atlantic Ocean coast some 60 km away from Nigeria's commercial capital of Lagos, has been considered as a symbol of the Chinese businessmen's substantial step to carry out a "go abroad" development strategy in Africa.

In an interview with Xinhua, Chen Xiaoxing, head of the Chinese side of the Lekki FTZ, said on Friday that the Lekki FTZ is a Chinese-Nigerian joint venture project with China's CCECC-Beyond International Investment & Development Co., Ltd. holding 60 percent of shares and Nigeria's Lekki Global Investment Co., Ltd., the remaining 40 percent of shares.

Chen, also board chairman of the Lekki FTZ Development Company, said, the project aims to "build up a modern Chinese-type industrial city in Lagos under the leadership of the Lagos state government while helping first-rate Chinese enterprises to develop themselves abroad."

Lekki FTZ project, being the first of its kind the Chinese government has ever built abroad, will be carried out in three phases. The first-phase will covers an area of 15 sq. km with the Chinese side investing 200 million U.S. dollars and the Nigerian side 67 million dollars. Upon its completion in 2009, the phase-I project will see an industrial park highlighted by light industry, textiles, building materials, household electric appliances, communications, machine processing and building as well as real estate and gardening building.

The phase-II and Phase-III projects, will cover 150 sq. km with a total investment of 5 billion dollars, focusing on heavy industry manufacturing, chemicals, petroleum processing, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, logistics, import/export businesses, deep-water port, tourism, real estate, education, banking and finance, among others.

"Our goal is to turn the Lekki FTZ into a new, vigorous and multiple-functional international satellite town of Lagos," Chen said.

He said China, the largest country in Asia and Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, can learn each other and help each other, adding that China owns fairly advanced technology and professional skills which are most suitable for Nigeria while Nigeria is rich natural resources which Nigeria hopes China to help it tap and develop locally into semi-finished or finished products for export.

According to Chen, the Lekki FTZ, when completed and put into operation eventually, will offer more than 300,000 jobs, further enlivening economic activities of Nigeria's economic enter of Lagos.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone was officially launched on Thursday.

This is what I am talking about!! I think people are aware of this but I fiured it deserves its thread!!

www.eurochem.com.sg/LekkiFTZ-Presentation.ppt
^^ Presentation on the FTZ

MAsterplan : http://www.spaceconceptsltd.com/dynamicdata/uploadImages/DMP1.jpg
Sorry for small image

hmm. this is interesting. we need more things like this atleast 2 in the niger delta and 2 in the north to create more jobs in the country. I like the direction in which the country is going.

great move!

Skye Bank partners Chinese investors on Lekki Free Zone

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Skye Bank Plc is leading a partnership with Chinese investors to actualise the Lekki Free Zone initiative developed by the Lagos State government.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relation Officer of the bank, Mr. Cookery Prince, Skye Bank was the official banker of the Lekki Free Zone.

He said as part of the partnership, a business delegation from the Peoples Republic of China visited Skye Bank recently to discuss issues of mutual interest between the bank and the investors.

Vice Chairman of Nanjing Beyond Investment Group Company Limited and leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Zhang Jingchun, said they were in Nigeria to seek areas of possible business collaboration with local partners at the free zone through the auspices of Skye Bank.

Jingchun explained the that investors needed the assistance of Skye Bank to set up businesses at the Lekki Free Zone facility and to engender collaboration between Lekki and Nanjing Free Zone in China.

He said the delegation came to Nigeria on a fact-finding mission which would last for ten days.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of assistance received from Skye Bank on mission to the country.

Acording to the statement, the collaboration with the Chinese investors was for the bank to take advantage of the expanding Chinese economic interest and investment in Africa.

Location of the FTZ
http://www.eurochem.com.sg/images/lekki_location.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/33/locationjy8.jpg)


Lekki Export Processing Zone
http://www.eurochem.com.sg/images/infrastructure_port.jpg

http://www.eurochem.com.sg/images/industrial_park_expansion.jpg

The Processing Zone, was proposed in 2002, but will be built now as part of the Petrochemical Sector of the FTZ.

This is great news, because the Nigerian economy which is predominantly a Primary sector economy, can now utilize it's Petroleum, and Manufacture products, that it used to import. Products, such as Plastic Ware, Cell Phones, etc can be manufactured and exported to Neighboring Countries.

This is how developing countries become Developed. Countries like Taiwan, South Korea and Japan have transformed their economies into Tertiary based economies. Nigeria is now doing the same.:banana2:

Look at all the developments in the Billboard!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/1247668691_f1d053a91c_o.jpg

When completed the Lekki FTZ will definitely be Nigeria's financial centre. :cucumber: :banana: :pepper: banana2: :carrot:

very big project:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Thanks a lot, Tbite. Great catch!
But it will become a centre of importance when it is accompanied by marketing and public relations internationally.

Lagos, foreign firm seal pact on N300m Lekki development project


THE Lagos State government has signed a N300-million agreement with a foreign company, Dar Al-Handash, for the development of a masterplan for the Lekki corridor.

The government on behalf of the stakeholders signed the agreement, which will entail a comprehensive infrastructure masterplan. The project, to be financed by stakeholders, is expected to be completed within five months.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Babatunde Fashola, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for financing the project and said the government would ensure that the money was well utilised.

He said the government resolved to partner with the stakeholders to ensure the production of the masterplan.

According to him, the lekki axis is the fastest growing corridor, as it has the largest concentration of private estates under development.

Fashola said in spite of the fast growing rate, the state of the environment ``was becoming increasingly worrisome due to haphazardly arranged physical developments, poor linkages between private layouts and government schemes.''

He listed others reasons that necessitated the masterplan as the lack of proper linkages between sewer lines, roads and drainage lines.

Fashola said that there was also unapproved diversion of natural watercourses and water bodies, uncoordinated sand-filling and flagrant disregard of town planning laws and regulations by developers.

The governor said the project handling company had a good track. Mr. Francisco Abosede, the commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the ministry suspended approval of private layout plans along the Lekki corridor to make way for the preparation of the masterplan.

He said a six-man technical sub committee had been constituted to negotiate with the consultants on professional fees and look into the issue of cost recovery.

Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma, managing director of Lekki Concession Company Ltd., remarked that the successful conclusion of the agreement posed a critical demand on the government to create an enabling environment for public-private partnership to thrive.

Lekki Concession Company Ltd

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/scopebig.gif

Scope Description

The Lekki Toll Road Concession Agreement, which underpins the "Lagos Infrastructure Project", will include upgrading and creating new Road Infrastructure along the first 49.4km of the Lekki-Epe Expressway (Phase I). Furthermore, additional private sector finance will be deployed towards developing the first 20km of the Coastal Road with an option to do the Southern Bypass as well (Phase II). In keeping with the already globally established BOT model of infrastructure delivery, the Concessionaire will be required to operate and maintain the road for the full 30-year term of the Concession, and then to hand over the assets to Lagos State in good condition at the end of the Concession term. In this way, not only will Lagos State enjoy new World Class infrastructure as a direct consequence of this Agreement, users of the road will also positively experience the service-based approach that will be adopted by the Concessionaire to deliver the following key benefits at affordable prices.


Key benefits at affordable prices


Convenience - traffic decongestion, easier access to and from the Lekki-Epe corridor, breakdown and recovery assistance, ambulance service, Customer Call Centre, etc


Journey times - shorter journey times, reduced wear and tear on motor vehicles, reduced fuel consumption by road users, etc.


Security - law enforcement, better street lighting, reduced risk of "go slow robbery", etc

In addition to those listed above, other foreseeable key benefits for the area include creation of employment, support for continued and new business growth, and the underpinning of real estate values. All of these benefits should have important positive impacts on economic growth in the area and for Lagos State as a whole.

EPC Contractors,Hitech Construction Company undertaking early works phase, November, 2006

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/DSC00370.jpg
Laying foundation of the batching plant at Falomo site compound

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/DSC00370.jpg
Setting up Falomo site compound

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/DSC00426.jpg
Road resurfacing along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/DSC00387.jpg
Road repairs in Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/7.jpg
Unblocking drainage system along Lekki express way

Construction Activities from 0-2km along Lekki-Epe Expressway May, 2007

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/HITECHworkersclearingthecentralreservationalongOzumbaMbadiweAvenuefortherelocationofthevariuosteleocommunicationserviceproviders%5B1%5D.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/PHCNTrenchesalongLawschool.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/HITECHworkerslayingthePVCpipesinthecentralreservationalongOzumbaMbadiweAvenuefortherelocationofthevariuosteleocommunicationserviceproviders%5B1%5D.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/BaseandreinforcementsofretainingwallsoppositeMobilbuilding.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/HITECHworkersbuildingatemporarymanholeatthecentralreservationopposite1004estates.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/BaseandreinforcementsofretainingwallsoppositeMobilbuilding.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/HITECHworkersbuildingatemporarymanholeatthecentralreservationopposite1004estates.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Framework_of_retaining_wall.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Prepared_formation_in_East_bound_carriage_way_under_Falomo_bridge.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night1.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night2.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night3.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Compaction%20of%20%20cement%20stabilised%20layer.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Construction%20of%20boundary%20wall.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Excavation%20of%20unsuitable%20materials3.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Mixing%20of%20cement%20and%20sand.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Preparation%20of%20cement%20stabilisation%20of%20sand%20layer.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Removal%20of%20old%20water%20pipes.gif

Presentation in pdf (http://lcc.com.ng:81/multemedia/LASG%20Stakeholder%20Presentation%20(30%203%2007)%20-%20Civic%20Centre%20Lagos.pdf)

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Framework_of_retaining_wall.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Prepared_formation_in_East_bound_carriage_way_under_Falomo_bridge.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night1.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night2.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/thumbnail/Safety_sign_for_road_users_at_night3.jpg

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Compaction%20of%20%20cement%20stabilised%20layer.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Construction%20of%20boundary%20wall.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Excavation%20of%20unsuitable%20materials3.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Mixing%20of%20cement%20and%20sand.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Preparation%20of%20cement%20stabilisation%20of%20sand%20layer.gif

http://lcc.com.ng:81/images/large%20june/Removal%20of%20old%20water%20pipes.gif


Arthabitat, this is new year and I guess a new you. The prodigal son seem to have come back home, you are welcome back!!!

Arthabitat, this is new year and I guess a new you. The prodigal son seem to have come back home, you are welcome back!!!

..da hell are you talking about?

..da hell are you talking about?


Follow his posts carefully.

Arthabitat, this is new year and I guess a new you. The prodigal son seem to have come back home, you are welcome back!!!

you are like a father to me...:)

http://amladrealtysltd.com/properties/houses/images/IMG_0045_JPG.jpg

The Site, Eleko Lekki

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3281/50191195dw2.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4369/12301738wn1.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6792/30436227fl0.jpg

http://lekkifreetradezone.com/

http://lekki.jndz.gov.cn/eng/Images/Africa_intro.jpg

This is the development prospects full of confidence of Nigerian LEKKI Free Trade Zone. The construction of LEKKI Free Trade Zone is carried out like a raging fire on the rich and charming LEKKI Peninsula. The grand blueprint is rapidly becoming reality on the hot land along the Atlantic Ocean.

Nigerian LEKKI Free Trade Zone is the overseas economic and trade cooperation zone which is primarily constructed by Nanjing Jiangning Economic and technical Development Zone responding to the strategy of "going out to the world" of Chinese government. It is located in the LEKKI Peninsula which is in the southeast of Lagos State, the economic center of Nigeria. It abuts the vast Atlantic Ocean in the south and the quiet and graceful LEKKI lagoon in the north. The geographical position is strategic and it is 60 kilometers away from the city center of Lagos, 70 kilometers away from Lagos International Airport and only 8 kilometers away from the new International Airport which is planned to be built by Nigerian government.

The total planning area of LEKKI Free Trade Zone is 165 square kilometers with a favorable development environment:

The first is the extra large market demand: The population of Nigeria is about 137 million and that of the surrounding West African Economic Community is about 500 million. But the local industry is fragile and more than 90% of the products rely on import, so the market potential is considerable; the second is the favorable export advantages: Nigeria is a signatory state of Lome Convention ,so the products made in Nigeria are entitled to exporting to Europe and the United States,,enjoying no quota restrictions and low tariff ; the third is the rich natural resources. Nigeria are very rich in oil, natural gas, wood, minerals and other natural resources . The foreign capital can utilize the local resources to process production or explore various kinds of resources through project development and commodity trade; the fourth is that it is in line with the strategy of “going out to the world” of Chinese government. Now Chinese light industry, textile industry, machinery and household appliances and many other fields have overplus production capacity and it is high time for them to find new development space. LEKKI Free Trade Zone provides a new development platform for those enterprises that go out to the world in groups and it can effectively reduce the risk of individual enterprise’s overseas investment.

China has 50 years’ franchise rights and 99 years’ right of land usage of LEKKI Free Trade Zone. The enterprises in the Free Trade Zone will enjoy a series of preferential policies: first, all the raw and processed materials, finished products, machinery and equipment, consumer goods used for enterprise production and other goods related to the investment projects in the zone will be free from import duty and be of no quota restrictions; second, when all the products produced and manufactured in the zone enter into the Nigerian market, the tariff will be calculated based on the prices of the raw material and the components and parts instead of the finished products; third, the investment capital stock of foreign capital and its profits can be withdrawn at any moment; the profits and dividend obtained from foreign capital can also be freely remitted; fourth, there is no quota restrictions for the export of these products made in the zone to Europe and the United States.

Currently, there are more than 120 enterprises who have signed the Letter of Intention of investing LEKKI Free Trade Zone. As for the infrastructure, the 10 square kilometers’ construction frame is under construction in LEKKI Free Trade Zone. The standard factory buildings of 30,000 square meters, the municipal highway of 21 kilometers and the customs bayonet building with completed functions will be finished in 2008 and it provides the adequate and systematic service for those enterprises to enter into the zone and operate production.

The prospective LEKKI Free Trade Zone will be constructed to be the large-scale comprehensive industrial base in Nigeria and even in Africa and bring along the reasonable transfer of Chinese capacity. It is expected to be the “Hong Kong of African” and to become the milestone in the cooperation between China and Nigeria as well as between China and Africa.

Model/Development

http://lfzdc.org/images/abt_lekkiftz.gif

http://lfzdc.org/thumbnailviewer/9_big.gif

http://lfzdc.org/images/img/the_zone.gif

Site
http://lfzdc.org/thumbnailviewer/10_big.gif

http://lfzdc.org/thumbnailviewer/12_big.gif

A new international airport planned?

A new international airport planned?

I just noticed that too. Well if there is one to be built, then its a welcome development.

Renderings

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1324/lftzuu0.png

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9104/lftz2jv3.png

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/830/lftz3wz7.png

A new international airport planned?

I heard about that from an article I read a few months ago and I believe I posted it in the Nigeria economic thread. It is a welcome development and I hope they build an airport Lagos deserves.

This update is great...I am really Happy

This is what i am talking about. :)

Lagos - Nigeria

1. Lekki Free Trade Zone Seaport.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/ftzone.jpg

http://www.lekkiport.com/index.php

2.Official Lekki Meeting.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/images65.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/Lekki_News_Show_03_clip_image002.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/Lekki_News_Show_03_clip_image001.jpg


http://www.lekki.jndz.gov.cn

AFDB APPROVES US$ 85 MILLION FOR LEKKI TOLL ROAD PROJECT


LAGOS, Nigeria, June 18, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group on Wednesday in Tunis approved a senior loan of up to US$ 85 million to help finance the upgrade/rehabilitation of the Lekki to Epe expressway, linking Victoria Island with the Lekki peninsula in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital.

Photos of Lekki Free Trade Zone

1.
Work in progress
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/work-1.jpg

2.
Trucks
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/TRUCKS.jpg


3.
Cats
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/construction.jpg


4.
Model
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/model2.jpg

5.
Billboard
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/patrickja2007/billboard.jpg

Great update...I wonder how long it will take for the Lekki Free Trade Zone to be complete.

I didn't even realise it, but the whole of this part of Nigeria is effectively One or two Giga Developments. The Lagos Mega City, in which the LFTZ is part of, and the surrounding developments such as the neighbouring FTZs and Mega Cities.

I wonder if the towers shown on the renders are just template or definitive designs ...
But in my opinion, i think it will be complete about 2012-2013.
If towers are build in priority, they will be built in 2010/2011... just a pronostic...

(sorry for my baaad eng)

I wonder if the towers shown on the renders are just template or definitive designs ...
But in my opinion, i think it will be complete about 2012-2013.
If towers are build in priority, they will be built in 2010/2011... just a pronostic...

(sorry for my baaad eng)

The towers are parts of the project as they make a significance of the beautiful lekki free trade zone area. I think they are going to be meant for offices.It`s hard finding detail of the project from the planners and the designers who happen to be the Chinese.

I have never actually look into the completion date.

Just checked out the site:http://lekkifreetradezone.com/. Was really disappointed. No link on the site seemed to work and the site was fraught with a lot of typographical errors. Looks like a site that was setup in a hurry and abandoned.
I hope the same won't happen to the project itself.

There are more than four websites I have come across on the internet dedicated to the project. Some of them are working properly.

Typical of Nigerian Web Sites. They do not look nice, even when they do, they are not regularly updated. I hope this trend changes soon.

It actually true that most Nigerian websites look fairly disappointing at times. Those handling the project, the Chinese, also have a very poor website for the ongoing Lekki free trade zone project. How surprising both sides don`t take the importance of a website for a huge project like Lekki free trade zone seriously.

Lagos Free Trade Zone gulps $20m

The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) has so far gulped 20 million dollars, said Mr Tajudeen Disu, managing director, Lekki Worldwide Investment, partners to LFTZ.

Disu told visting members of the state House committee on commerce and industry recently at the Lekki project site that the first phase of the project would be completed before 2010.

Disu, who presented the master plan to the lawmakers, described the location as unique.

He said the continuity of the peninsula to Lagos had boosted the profile and potentialities of the project.

According to him, nine communities had been resettled because of the project.

The committee chairman, Mr Sanai Agunbiade, told The Tide’s source that the visit was aimed at fast-tracking the execution of the project.

Another member, Dr Samuel Adejare, warned the company against altering the master plan.

“Our problem in Nigeria is that we usually change master plans and disrupt the entire plan.

“If anything happens to the resettled communities or the master plan, the House will take it up,” he said.

The project, which started in 2003, is a joint venture between the Lagos State Government, LWIL and a Chinese consortium of firms.

LFTZ: A new drive for a final push

The Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola, SAN, on Thursday in Lagos underscored his administration‘s commitment to a timely completion of the Lekki Free Trade Zone as a cardinal developmental project in the state. He stated this during a working visit to the zone, which was also used as a master plan presentation ceremony.

The governor‘s visit to the zone had a number of imports for the project, the people and the community, especially in view of the lull that had characterised work on the site. The visit, which provided a platform for the community leaders; the joint partners (China Civil Engineering Construction Company); and the management of Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company, to rub mind on the key issues perceived to have been stalling the project‘s advancement.

The project, in its design, had a focus on creating a business and industrial zone, devoid of the daily encumberances encountered by businesses in Nigria. Its proposition is to have an industrial and business zone, where all infrastructure and other productive requirements are easily accessible at cheap and affordable rate. The implication is that businesses and industries operating in the zone will have competitive advantages over others produced elsewhere in the country, and even in the sub-regional West African export market.

With actual work on the project, (under its District Planning (Phase I), taking off in September 2007, much hope was raised on the potential of the zone, especially among the business community and other potential users of the zone in January 2006, when the immediate psat administration in the state floated the idea. By its master plan, the LFTZ was designed to be segmented into General Living Cluster, Business Office Cluster, Luxury Living Cluster, Industry, Logistics Cluster and Supporting Facilities Cluster.

With the fervour generated by the rekindled interest in the project, representatives of CCECC, the Chinese vendor and developers of the zone, could not hide their pleasure at the new impetus being given the project by the Fashola administration. The contract agreement for the project was signed between the Lagos State Government and to engineering firm in January 2006. But some months after the initial perfunctory declaration of intents on the project‘s execution, not much was done. However, the new administration in the state decided to make the project one of its priority projects.

The renewed interest by the state saw the area covering about six acres being cleared in September 2007, under its phase one (District Planning).

According to the General Manager of CCECC, the joint partner engineering firm in the project, Mr. Allan Lee, the presence of the governor at the master plan presentation was a great boost to the morale of all the partners and stakeholders in the project. He said the personal interest shown by the governor would be the needed encouragement and assurance on the project.

On his part, Fashola said the project was of great importance to his administration and the people of the state.

He commended the level of work done so far, stressing that the managements of CCECC, the LFTZDC and Lekki Worldwide, the development partner, played their highlighted roles as expected.

He, however, noted that a lot of work remained to be done on the project as ”people, who are ready to establish industries in the zone or those set to start production are itching to start doing so.”

He added, “The implication of this is that we must all double our efforts in order to develop the needed infrastructure and ensure that the zone takes off in the shortest possible time.”

The Deputy Managing Director, LFTZDC, Mr. Adeyemo Thompson, noted the new tempo of activities on the project under Fashola‘s administration. He described LFTZ as a joint venture project set out by some Chinese proponents with the Lagos State Government in 2006. According to him, the core idea was to leverage on the Chinese experience and expertise in the area of free zone developments to effect multi-faceted development of the economy.

He, however, noted that some other core partners‘ roles would be important to the success of the zone‘s development. These, he said, would include banks, the Chinese Africa Development Fund and some other stakeholders. He said about ?600m was required to develop an acre of land under the project.

In spite of the euphoria that pervaded the governor‘s visit to the zone, one key issue that had apparently stalled the project‘s development face for sometime demanded and got Fashola‘s attention. Led by the Baale of Tiye community in Lekki, Chief Kayode Rauf Mustapha, expressed the indigenous land owners‘ displeasure at the decision of the government to compensate them only on crops destroyed. According to the traditional rulers, compensations should go beyond that. He also demanded enhanced welfare package for the Baales in the area.

But the governor, who described the position of the Baales as being in order, said the government would consider their position.

He, however, reminded them that the development of the LFTZ was in the best interest of the people of the area. He said all the structures and infrastructure in the place would attract development to the area, whereas the Chinese developers would not go away with any of the structures.

He projected a future view of the place as a glorious one, comparable to what obtained in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Apapa areas of Lagos. He, therefore, pleaded with the people to show maximum cooperation with the government and the partners, pledging that his administration too would be reasonable in its approach to issues concerning the people and the traditional rulers in the area.

LAGOS TO PROVIDE INFRASTRUTURE FOR LEKKI FREE TRADE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, over the weekend undertook an extensive inspection tour of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, reiterating that the state government is poised to provide infrastructure that would enable the zone kick off in the shortest possible time.

Governor Fashola who spoke at Lekki, added that offers were already being received from people all over the world who wish to establish industries in the zone.

The governor said he has received assurance from the project managers that by mid- September this year the total quantum of the amended drawings and plans with the full development plans to complete the basic drainages and roads would be ready. He added that the developmental plan would also include the completion of the main entrance gate, office complexes of the Customs, Immigration and all related control issues which needed to be dealt with before the commencement of the zone. He urged that efforts would be redoubled to achieve the envisaged goals of the trade zone. Governor Fashola who also had an interactive session with members of the community and traditional rulers of the area, informed that the state will make use of the land in the area for developmental purposes and because of its genuine intention of fast tracking development to the area. He restated the commitment of the administration in ensuring that the 2.5 percent equity participation promised the people of the area is respected as well as the provision of 750 hectares of land in replacement for their residential.

The Governor explained that this is in addition to the houses which the state government also promised to provide to the people who would be relocated from the free trade zone. He also directed that proper work should be carried out on the drainage channels within the zone in order to allow a free flow of water and prevent flooding. He assured that compensation would be adequately taken care of as provided by the law, adding that crop enumeration and measurement of the acquired territory would form the basis of determining the compensation to be paid.

He said just as the state government has ensured that compensation was paid to the area under parcel A, same would be extended to parcel B area in the on going exercise. He advised the residents and the landowners not to be misled by misguided people into making unrealistic demand on the land being made used of, saying, "even if tomorrow the investors decide to move away from here, the infrastructure would be available permanently for your usage".

Governor Fashola agreed with the suggestion of the community that the MOU can be revisited in the future if the need arises and commended the community for the hospitality which it has displayed to the investors in the area. Also speaking, the Consular-General of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Guo Kun said the LFTZ project is a very famous project which the people and leaders of China are very much interested in.

Map:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/33/locationjy8.jpg

another lekki project. its like there trying to run away from there problems in lagos. does this sound familiar.sort of like moving the capital from lagos to abuja. i love the project but they need to remember about the rest of lagos too.

another lekki project. its like there trying to run away from there problems in lagos. does this sound familiar.sort of like moving the capital from lagos to abuja. i love the project but they need to remember about the rest of lagos too.

Humm, are you speaking of Lagos City, because Lekki is in Lagos State, just east of the actual city of Lagos. It's like the equivalent of a Lagos Suburb. A project like this is impossible to develop in the actual city of Lagos.. in that it's waaaaaay to overcrowded for such a massive project like this, and the city is getting worst by the day in it's overcrowdedness department. For the survival, and stabilization of the housing crices in that city, the gov. needs to begin investing in the construction of housing projects equivalent to those found in New York City, London, Paris and other major cities with server overcrowdedness. Housing projects like these found in New York City.

http://blogs.business2.com/photos/uncategorized/peter_cooper_village_1.jpg
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3068714/2/istockphoto_3068714_public_housing_project_new_york_city.jpg
http://fotola.com/fotola/2004/Mar/csnyder40605fd58e868-web.jpg

Building up, compacting space, enabling more people to fit into smaller areas is Lagos's only chance for efficiency in its future development. All of these worthless 3 and 4 story complexes I see in these renders posted are worthless. They wont do squat for a city like Lagos. They need to do like New york City and either push the poor out of the city and or invest in a massive construction plan in which would seed the development of housing projects with 18 and 20 story housing building built in 6 to 15 units per housing project comparable to what is found in New York City, and other major cities around the world. This is the only way the housing situation in the city will be resolved.

The city also drastically needs to begin investing in a metro rail system, even if that means having it be partially underground and partially elevated in a means to save money.. such as the situation is in major American cities... like New York, Chicago, Philly and Detroit. Lagos needs one of these intricate and extremely productive rail metro systems like the body needs vanes. It's an absolute must, no matter how much time and money it'll take to develop it.

The city/state will get back every last cent it'll take to development it through the massive amount of money it'll take in from it in riding fairs collected yearly with a guaranteed at least 4 million riders commuting on that system every day, if it's well spread throughout the Metro area. Over 2.5million people ride the New York system every day, and New York's population is only half that of Lagos's and growing at a much slower rate.

What you will have is glorified "ghettos".

Yes you are 100% on point, but Lagos should strive to not only create such housing schemes but at the same time ensure that they have good a standard of living.

Unlike many of these developments you find in the world. And also developments that don't turn the city into an eyesore.

Not that parts of the city aren't, but if we are going to invest, we ought to invest in things of aesthetic value and quality.

Model of the LFTZ

http://lekki.jndz.gov.cn/Upload/images70.jpg

What you will have is glorified "ghettos".

Yes you are 100% on point, but Lagos should strive to not only create such housing schemes but at the same time ensure that they have good a standard of living.

Unlike many of these developments you find in the world. And also developments that don't turn the city into an eyesore.

Not that parts of the city aren't, but if we are going to invest, we ought to invest in things of aesthetic value and quality.

Tbite, Lagos needs mass multi storey housing badly. I would rather see multi story housing than what is currently on ground today.

Maintening such multi-storey buidlings in a city like Lagos is going to be highly challenging. Electricity is one of the contributing factors that must be taken into consideration.It has to power most of the things needed for the buildings, like water pumps, elevators,etc which are important in keeping the whole social life of the area going.

They could use solar panels. A couple of days of sunlight is enough to power buildings of those size for weeks. Plus the could make wide open rooms with large windows so less energy is needed. The solar panels could be on the roofs or in "solar parks":lol: so the will get more sunlight. If lagos is going to build mass multi storey housing like those, it's most likely going to be green buildings, because most architects are incorporating eviromental and energy saving technology to there work.

Solar panels are expensive! If the government couldn`t fix therma electricity generation how could it provide solar panels for buildings that will house over a million population? In that case it is no longer a sustainable development for the city.

What you will have is glorified "ghettos".

Yes you are 100% on point, but Lagos should strive to not only create such housing schemes but at the same time ensure that they have good a standard of living.

Unlike many of these developments you find in the world. And also developments that don't turn the city into an eyesore.

Not that parts of the city aren't, but if we are going to invest, we ought to invest in things of aesthetic value and quality.

I'd and most others would rather see the mass of poor in Lagos living in these at least halfway decent towering ghettos than the sewage, and trash filled Shanties in which most of them currently live in. I wouldn't want to believe that even a mangy mut would dare live in some of those Shanty spots.

Lagos needs the best the world has seen, not a cheap imitation of 20 year old buildings in NYC. In my opinion, Lagos needs to be rebuilt.

^^ starting from the slums. treat that area like abuja

As long as it's going to be multi storey buildings.

Lagos needs the best the world has seen, not a cheap imitation of 20 year old buildings in NYC. In my opinion, Lagos needs to be rebuilt.

If the benjamins are there...it will be rebuilt

u mean if the N1000 are there

If the benjamins are there...it will be rebuilt

You mean if the "azikiwes" was there.

or the isongs

This free trade zone is not target the poor population though it economic value will definate do. My point is the construction of LFTZ will divert the attention from curtailing the squalors which littered most part of Lagos.

WORKS STILL ONGOING AT LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE

http://www.tradeinvestnigeria.com/cm_pics/news/2459-0-0-0_1515092.jpg
Construction of the Lekki FTZ is underway and more than 30 investors have already shown
substantial interest to set up shop in the zone. Picture: Caterina Bortolussi

The Lagos State government has grand plans for the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Caterina Bortolussi spoke to Mrs Olusola Oworu, Special Advisor to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce.

Could you give us an overview of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and the progress that has been made?

Construction of the Lekki FTZ is in progress. It is not just a FTZ but a new model city. Apart from the industrial component, we will have urban development, which include residential accommodation, business centres, a financial hub and tourism activities. Initially we will be looking at light industries such as textiles, electronics, household equipment, and foods and beverages, but around the ports we will accommodate heavy industries like petro-chemicals and oil refineries. We have five kilometers of coastline and we intend to make the best of it by having a deep seaport to accommodate huge vessels coming in from all over the world. The idea is to make the port the shipping hub of West Africa. We are also proposing to have an international airport not too far from the zone as 70% of the people that use the Murtala Mohammed International Airport come from Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The airport will also service the logistical needs of corporate businesses.
http://www.tradeinvestnigeria.com/cm_pics/about_tin/2463-0-0-0_1612294.jpg
The Chinese consortium partnering the Lagos State Government in the development of the
Lekki Free Trade Zone is committed to transfering skills to local workers. Pic: Jaco Maritz

Who is responsible for the development of the Lekki FTZ?

The first 3 000 hectares will be developed with the Chinese. They are assisting us with certain infrastructure such as a power plant, sewage systems, a water treatment plant, as well as the construction of roads. They will help us with the first phase, and then the rest of the zone will be opened to other developers. The idea is to fast track the development of the zone; we cannot leave it to one developer because of the amount of funding that is required. The Chinese are the first set of developers we have in the zone to jump start things and we already have a 350 hectares launch area to be commissioned by the end of May 2008...

Lekki Free Zone signs $1.5bn agreement with US firm

By Oscarline Onwuemenyi and Mudiaga Affe
Published: Thursday, 14 Aug 2008

The management of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, disclosed on Wednesday that it had signed an investment fund agreement of about $1.5bn with a United States-based financial company, AYR Logistics, which is intended to be actualised within the year. Similarly, the LFTZ is said to be targeting another $153m investment before September, while over $20m has been invested in the zone in the last four months. The Managing Director, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, disclosed this at an interactive business forum organised for private sector players and the investors from Netherlands by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, in Abuja. Disu, who said more investors were still being expected in the zone before the year runs out, stressed that the main purpose of the zone was to increase foreign direct investment inflows into the country as well as enhance the growth of the economy.
According to him, the host community is actively involved in the development of the zone, which covered about 16,500 hectares of land, to avoid the problem of militancy or underdevelopment of the community where it is situated. He also said the Lekki Worldwide Investment would ensure that every infrastructure, security and financial assistance needed by prospective investors would be made available. “We have enough investments and financial engineering to guarantee our prospective investors and back up their financial obligations with any Nigerian bank,” he said.Meanwhile, the stakeholders committee on the comprehensive infrastructure master plan for the Lekki sub-region in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have expressed concerned over the new plan for the area. The spokesperson of the group, Mr. Bunmi Ajayi, who made the presentation of the final draft of the master plan in Lagos on Wednesday, explained that the developed and developing areas between Victoria Island and Ajah, which was the immediate concern of the stakeholders, had not been attended to. Ajayi said that the report of the committee set up by the state government in 2007, on the drafting of the master plan recommended an action plan in the light of freezing of approvals of layout in the last 18 months.

SOME IMAGES FROM LFTZ website

1.
http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/homebanners/6.jpg

2.
http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/homebanners/4.jpg

3.
http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/homebanners/3.jpg

4.
http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/homebanners/7.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/facilities.php

INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES IN THE ZONE

" Abundant land for industrial projects; planned construction of port, gas power plant, water plant, sewage treatment pant, standardized workshops, roads within the zone, etc.

" LEKKI-EPE Road available planned construction of the 80km long expressway linking Lekki and Lagos soon.
" The zone will be sealed by fencing walls with establishment of independent police station and posts, thus providing good security for the zone.

INVESTMENT PROCEDURE

1. Pick up your application form for investment online or from the administration of Lekki free trade zone in Lagos or from the office of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority in Abuja by payment of US$380.00 only.

2. Fill out and submit the application form attached with the project feasibility study to the administration of Lekki free trade zone or to the office of the Nigeria Export processing.
The underlined will make lekki looks like a gigantic industrial community prison.

The underlined will make lekki looks like a gigantic industrial community prison.
About everything is fenced in Nigeria.

^^ at some point we need to accept reality and its obvious that fencing is done because of cirminal elements. The same can be sad about Joburg even though there's a little shift to non-fencing.

It like Lekki Free Trade Zone will be having a refinery of its own.Why`s there need for a refinery in the zone? I think that will probably pollute the area.


AP supports hybrid offer with ambitious forecast

These projects include the construction of a refinery with capacity to refine 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day at the Lekki Free Trade Zone which would gulp N44.314 billion or 42.24 percent of the offer proceeds. Market expansion with acquisition/construction of additional 350 modern service stations nationwide would take N23.8 billion or 22.7 percent while the sum of N18.056 billion would be deployed as working capital...
http://www.businessdayonline.com/economic-watch/market-outlook/14757.html

^^ By the looks of the master plan of the area, it looks like it'll be in the industrial portion of the zone. The way Lekki is planned, I don't think the refinery will affect the residential portion that much :dunno:

It like Lekki Free Trade Zone will be having a refinery of its own.Why`s there need for a refinery in the zone? I think that will probably pollute the area.
The area is massive, and the industrial area's anchor project is actually Eurochem Pty's $3bn petrochemicals plant (which would include the world's biggest methanol production plant) and the multi-billion deep sea port for it's export.

Note that Oando is also planning to build a 360,000 bpd export-oriented greenfield refinery at the Lekki FTZ (in two phases of 180,000 bpd each), with the land already acquired and the FEED of the project reportedly almost completed.

does anybody know anything about the olokola free trade zone in Ogun state?

What exactly Plans? Size? Location? Purpose? Completion dates? Construction? Investors?

News are the project phase I is at the completion stage.

News are the project phase I is at the completion stage.

Is this the infrastructure developement?

So phase 1 is supposedly almost complete and we've yet to receive any picture of any actual building, roads or any other infrastructure in which has been developed within the site. This is ridiculous. :ohno:.

does anybody know anything about the olokola free trade zone in Ogun state?
The Government of Ogun State, Nigeria will host an Investors Forum and Luncheon for 100 of the United States' most influential Top Executives, Fund Asset Managers and Investment Bankers in Washignton, DC on October 9, 2008 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The afternoon will include networking cocktails beginning at 12:30pm. Lunch and presentation by The Government of Ogun State, Nigeria from 1:00pm until 3pm.

To RSVP, e-mail: rsvp@eventplannersdc.com or by calling 202-216-9668 X 180.

BriscoeFord Commissions Ultra-modern Ford Centre at Lekki Free Trade Zone

As demand for Ford vehicles in Nigeria increases, the distributor of the vehicles in the country has raised its after-states structures, opening a state-of-the-art Ford Centre to cater for sales and after-sales service. BriscoeFord Nigeria Limited opened an ultra-modern showroom at the Lekki, Lagos Free Trade Zone amidst excitement last week. Industry insiders hav...

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=123534

fords have bad mpg

fords have bad mpg
Ford trucks would probably be the best for the Nigerian terrain. There's no two ways about that.

Nigeria: Customs Orders Suspension of Business At Lagos Free Trade Zone

Daily Independent (Lagos)

For the inability of the authority of the Lagos Free Trade Zone to comply with relevant laws governing its operations, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hamman Bello Ahmed, has ordered suspension of further operations there. He also frowned at the absence of the Nigerian flag outside the premises of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, describing it as disrespect to the sovereignty of Nigeria.

While carrying out an on the spot assessment of the Lagos Free Trade Zone in Lekki, the customs boss said the management of the zone has broken the rules by starting business activities without the completion of necessary infrastructure such as gates and perimeter fencing. This is in contravention of Act 18 of NEXA which says that before an operation can commence in a free trade zone, there must be secured gates and perimeter fencing of the zone.


The customs boss consequently directed that shipments of containers from the ports should be stopped immediatewhile duties should be paid on the consignments already shipped into the zone except the ones with construction equipments.

Citing the example of Tinapa, Oil and Gas Zone and Calabar Free Trade Zone, which completed all necessary arrangement as expected,the CG said no business activities aught to have commenced at the Lagos Free Trade Zone without following all the laws guiding such operations.

Besides, Ahmed also lamented the absence of security agencies at the Zone and decried the scattered nature of business premises at the zone. According to him, in a free trade zone, business activities should be in an enclosure adding that besides revenue leakages, the security of the nation must also be of paramount importance.

Due to the lapses identified at the Lagos Free Trade Zone, the Customs comptroller general has directed all the Customs Area Comptrollers to embark on inspection of free trade zones in their jurisdiction and forward the reports of their findings to him immediately.

The CG also went round the Niger Dock ( Snake Island ) where he also ordered the management of the island to erect a perimeter fencing of the island.

At Ladol Free Trade Zone the Customs boss said no consumable items must be allowed into the premises again. He also lamented the absence of infrastructure and said adequate security should be provided for the zone.

Senior Manager of the Lagos Free Trade zone, Engr S.K. Lawal, said five companies were already operating there. He said all necessary requirements would be put in place in line with the CG's request.

Does this news means the Lekki Free Trade Zone Project is going to face unprecedented problems in the near future?

Wake up Nigerians to your development!

Can this project be realized in the country as planned?

Early Construction Work

2800 square meters, office building U/C in March; 412,000 square meters Factory buildings should be U/C, atm they should have started in April

http://lekki.jndz.gov.cn/Upload/images60.JPG

Other Construction earlier in the year

http://lekki.jndz.gov.cn/Upload/images61.JPG

Roads in the LFTZ are already being U/c and some have been completed

What LGA is this project located in? The NCU Comptroller General sounds like he's looking for any reason he can find to shut this down. Is this an incorrect assessment, or do you all think he's really trying to make sure this is done right?

NPA, Lagos approve $6 billion first deep sea port

THE promoters of the Lagos (Lekki) Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) have received the approval of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State government to build the first private and deep sea port in Lekki, 60 kilometres away from the Lagos metropolis. It would cost them $6 billion on completion.

According to the Project Director, Mr. Peter Banham, the port would be ready for commercial activities in 2011 to fully contribute to the success of the Federal Government's Vision 2020 goal. The vision is aimed at making the country one of the 20 top economies in the world.

Banham, who addressed newsmen in Lagos over the weekend, said the port would operate as a hub port besides being the first deep seaport in the country.

The port on completion, would be involved in containers, general cargoes and grains operations.

"The rationale behind the port is to provide a deep water port for Nigeria and allow larger vessels to berth. It is also to relieve the congestion in Lagos/Apapa ports. The site at Lekki is most ideally located to accommodate deep drafted vessels. The undersea contours allow the building of a deep channel most economically at Lekki. Also the port is located to take advantage of the future development of the new Lagos Free Trade Zone", he said.

Banham, who has been in shipping business for over four decades now, said everything has been concluded to enable the construction contract to be awarded in March 2009 as the channel dredging would hopefully commence in July 2010, he added.

According to him: "Phase one will be between 1.2/1.4 million TEUS (20' containers) and approx capable of handling 3,000,000 tons of break-bulk cargo. Phase two, when more land becomes available the port could handle over 2m TEUS, 3,000,000 tons of Bulk and up to 1M tones of liquid cargoes. Apart from approval by the NPA, and Lagos State government, the port project is privately owned and funded", he said.

The Guardian had reported that a group of foreign investors were concluding plans to establish the first deep sea and first hub port in Lagos, Nigeria. It would cost a whooping $6 billion on completion.

The port, being sponsored by investors from the United Kingdom and India and who are already operating multi-national companies in the country, would be ready for public use by the year 2010.

Many of the new port promoters told disclosed that it would be located within the Lagos Free Trade Zone in Lekki area of the metropolis.I wish they should increase the cost to about 15 billion dollars to create a most modern in the region for easy task cos the port is going to serve over 300 million population and 1/3 of Africa countries(from look of things). The standard should be made world-class to compete internationally.

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/research1.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/research2.jpg

Nigeria: Lekki Trade Zone - Chinese Investors Assured of FG's Support

Christopher Adedeji

11 December 2008

Abuja — Supervising Minister of Commerce and Industry, Aliyu Idi Hong, on Wednesday assured Chinese investors of Federal Government's cooperation and support for the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in Lagos.

He promised that government was committed to the provision of adequate power supply, water, gas pipeline and security, major requirements for the successful take off of the LFTZ project.

Hong said this when he received a delegation from the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) led by its Chairman, Guorui Li.

The delegation is in Nigeria to inspect the progress of work at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Receiving the delegation in his office, Hong said he believed that Nigeria was supposed to be the first port of call for any serious company or investor that wants to do business outside his or her country, especially when coming to Africa.

Acknowledging that Nigeria is a very important country, especially in Africa and among other developing countries because of its 65 per cent GDP contribution to West Africa alone, Hong said government policy has been very consistent since the emergence of democracy in Nigeria.

He noted that as a member of the global economy, "we also practice very active free trade and cooperation just as it is found in other countries of the world".

He said all those requirements that are needed for foreign investors to do business in Nigeria have already been put in place by the government.

What`s actually the state of the project now?

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2122/50816659hk2.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3611/theachitechturalmodelleal8.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3020/constructionworks2wj0.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/LAGOS%20STATE%20GOVERNOR%20OVER%20THE%20ACHITECHTURAL%20MODEL.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/SOME%20OF%20THE%20FACILITIES.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/construction%20facilities.jpg

http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/cmstool/uploads/virtualtour/CONTRUCTION%20TIME.jpg

Those photos are testament to nothing big about construction is going on.

Based on what's been completed thus far.. the place is gonna look like crap.

Those are very old photos mind you. :)

Those are very old photos mind you. :)

Are there no photos on any new major completed or nearly completion projects in the zone?

Based on what's been completed thus far.. the place is gonna look like crap.

what you are refering to on there is the site office and will be pulled down once costruction nears that area

Thank you for that better explanation, Sammy. If not most of us would have wondered about the project in a very non-pleasing manner.

what you are refering to on there is the site office and will be pulled down once costruction nears that area

Aww, ok.. that makes sense. Too bad there are no pics of the actually major projects that are being constructed in the zone.

Nigeria: Ibejuland - a Rich Haven Emerging From Troubled Past


Naturally, it is a serene settlement and strategically placed to witness rapid development like in other fast-growing cities in Lagos State. But due to internal wrangling over traditional titles, its serenity was shattered for years. In fact, not until about a year ago did it know peace and the peace seems to have come to stay, given the convivial atmosphere that now pervades the settlement. Welcome to Ibeju land in Ibeju Local Council Development Area.

Like its neighbouring Ajah, Ibeju was a land full of rage. But while the former was always in the news during those turbulent bloodletting periods, the former was somehow hidden from the prying eyes of the media, yet its case was not less chaotic.

At a point, Ibeju Kingdom, which is made up of 170 towns and villages, which is almost one quarter of Lagos, was literarily partitioned into fiefdoms and almost everybody was a master and commander-in-chief in his own domain. They then appropriated different appellations to themselves. "Some called themselves Council of Elders, some Baale-in-Council, and some Council of Chiefs, to mention a few" explained His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Bamidele Salami, the current Onibeju of Ibejuland, while recalling the situation when he ascended the throne a year ago.

During this period too, these self-appointed 'leaders or rulers' enjoyed unlimited power independently to the extent that even the youth were not exempted in crave for the unlimited power. This development deteriorated to the level that even the youth would not heed royal calls to attend meetings, as they only bore allegiance to their political godfathers.

A semblance of normalcy seemed to appear late last year, as a result the installation of the incumbent monarch. But six months after, the situation in the community still remained turbulent. Apart from the fact that the youth were still trying to maintain the status quo, the other contestants in the race to the throne oiled their war machine to ensure the dethronement of the monarch. This re-ignited the old confrontational order and created uneasiness in the area. The battle was fought from the law court to the House of Assembly. It was also dragged before the state's Council of Obas and Chiefs. While the battle lasted, things actually fell apart and the falcon could not hear the falconer.

But today, this once troubled community has rediscovered itself. And from all indications, it is now witnessing real development. This much was expressed by Oba Salami himself, who maintained that the prevailing peace had transformed the area into the most attractive part of Lagos State.

"My greatest joy today is my ability to bring peace to Ibeju Kingdom. Most of the people, who were formerly my enemies, are now my friends. Ibeju Lekki today is the Heaven of Lagos State and perhaps the Dubai of Nigeria. Stakeholders and foreigners are now registering their interests to help develop Ibeju Lekki and work has started in earnest", the monarchy said with all sense of fulfillment, as he prepares for the commemoration of his one year on the throne slated for Saturday December 20, 2008.

According to the royal father, various projects, such as petrol filling stations, are now springing up while a very big police station and barracks aimed at providing security for the people are underway.

He added that some of the projects, which were abandoned during the period of crisis, have been collated and sent to the government for completion, stressing that as it is today, Ibeju Lekki has potential to be a Free Trade Zone, massive electrification and water projects to mention but few.

As sign of the harmony and peaceful relationship that now exist in the kingdom and the wealth derivable from such atmosphere, the monarchy boasted: "All my chiefs are now riding powerful cars. In Nigeria today, the best cars are in the hands of Onibeju chiefs. They are equally building houses of their own for domestic and commercial purposes." The youth, he said, are also not left out of the new life. The new-found life is also palpable among the youth themselves, as they radiated joy all round.

Chief Oloye Ajanaku of Ibejuland while commenting on the situation in the kingdom said that before now, things were in disarray, as the people were taking the law into their hands. He asserted that the sanity being enjoyed now is through the efforts and leadership quality of the monarch.

"We thank God that He gives us a king, who is well read, knowledgeable and good. Before he came, people were doing whatever they liked. They could sell a plot of land for two people thereby creating crisis. The Kabiyesi stopped that and there is peace. He always invites his subjects and seeks their opinions on how to move the kingdom forward. He embraces both young and old. I pray that he will live long," he said.

Also speaking, Chief Musadiku Ismaila, the Ajigbeda of Ibejuland, confirmed that existing peace was not got on a platter of gold but through great efforts. According to him, there is absolute peace now in the land, a situation, which he also traced to Oba Salami's doggedness, just as he confirmed that the people are now living prosperously with the chiefs now enjoying a kind of life never before witnessed, including free cars from the monarch.

"There is absolute peace in the kingdom and the chiefs and other people are prosperous. Magbon-Alade, the town of the king, is more peaceful than before. The kabiyesi brought all these things. There is no past king that bought cars for his chiefs but the current one bought for his, including me," he said.

"We thank God for him. We fought a lot of battles before he came to the throne and achieve whatever we have achieved," he stated, praying that the community should continue to maintain the peaceful co-existence so that development could trickle in.

The chief also prayed for the King, saying, "May he be older than his father who was more than 80 years before he died".

Apparently overwhelmed by encomiums on him vis--vis the prevailing peace in his domain, the monarch declared that peace was achieved through collective efforts and tasked all and sundry to continue giving their support so that the peace could endure and the community could be taken to greater heights. "This is a house, which you people have joined hands to build, please continue to put finishing touches to it," he said.

China headquarter of Lekki free trade zone put into use

With the programming and construction of Jiang ning Development zone and Nanjing Beyond investment Co.,Ltd, the building of China headquarter of Lekki free trade zone formally put into use in Aug. After one month’s coordination, the level of property management was up to par while every department worked and coordinated with one another effectively and efficiently.

The building of China headquarter of LFTZ is located in the conjunction of the downtown area in Jiangning development zone where the previous management committee was. The working environment of this building is apparently to be seen as up-to-date, internationalized and humanized. Its good image will weigh a lot to the investment-attracting job and the improvement of working conditions.

Nigeria: Oando Begins Work on 210,000 Mt Lekki Terminal Project
Bassey Udo
13 April 2009



Oando plc announced at the weekend that it has started work on the development of an ultra-modern refined petroleum products import terminal located at the Lagos State Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

Consequently, the company said it has commissioned Front End Engineering Design (FEED) of the terminal scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2009, whilst the entire project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012.

The 210,000 metric tons (MT) capacity terminal is conceptualised to be best-in-class and the largest purpose built product terminal in the sub-Saharan Africa, with facilities to dispatch over 500 trucks per day in what is set to revolutionise petroleum products distribution in Nigeria.

The Lekki Terminal Project will have a Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility located about 7 kilometres offshore, which will support the berthing of 80,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) vessels for the first time in West Africa, thereby significantly providing unprecedented cost efficiencies.

Oando said development of the terminal is part of its strategy to ensure optimal value extraction across its diversified investments along the energy value chain, as Nigeria's leading integrated energy solutions provider.

It said the investment is in line with the company's plan to develop an ultra-modern Greenfield Refinery Project in the same location, for which a comprehensive four-month detailed bankable feasibility study has already been concluded.

Chief Executive Oficer, Oando Refinery and Terminals, Ayo Ajose-Adeogun, said, "This project will have a direct impact on the downstream sector of the nation's petroleum industry, as it will radically reduce the traffic to Apapa port, which was originally built to handle only 10 percent of Nigeria 's energy import requirements, as against the 90 percent it does today. It will also increase Major Marketers' throughput by bridging the huge supply gap."

Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu, said, "This project will be the benchmark for product reception terminals in sub-Saharan Africa that will once again attest to our superior execution capabilities. We project strong early cash flow that will provide immediate shareholder value and the financial platform for the development of our ultra-modern refinery in the same location."

http://allafrica.com/stories/200904140192.html

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Nothing is constructed yet?

‘Lagos committed to completion of LFTZ’


Olusola Oworu, special adviser to Lagos State government on commerce and industry, says the state is committed to the completion of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) which first phase is billed to commence operations in 2011. Her pledge of commitment to the early completion of the project is coming as the Federal Government said it will not shy away from giving the state and the Chinese partners the support required to actualise the LFTZ.

Achike Udenwa, minister of commerce and industry, who stated this during a visit to the trade zone, said this has become imperative because the country must boost its level of production and exports in order to survive the global economic meltdown.

Oworu speaking to BusinessDay, weekend, said government was doing everything necessary towards completing the phase I of the multi-billion naira project for which both Lagos and the Chinese partners are committing $260 million for a start.

The first phase is earmarked to sit on 1,000 hectares of the total 16,500 hectares of land acquired for the project she described as a project with “limitless” potentials and will transform the economy of Lagos and the country as a whole.

“The economic potentials of this project are enormous. What we are trying to do here is to build a new city that will be efficient commercially and economically because it will have its own airport, seaport as well as generate power for its operations on full completion.

“Apart from this, there is going to be provision for 21st century ICT solutions and infrastructure which will enable companies to produce at a cheaper rate so as to be able to compete internationally, thereby increasing Nigeria’s non oil earnings,” she said.

Oworu said although power provision in the country remains the responsibility of the Federal Government, the state nonetheless is currently looking into what can be done to generate power to keep trade zone running efficiently on commencement of operations.

“We are particularly committed to the trade zone where our long-term plan is to have an independent power plant (IPP) to support activities within the zone. In the short-term, we are putting in place two Nos. 1,000 KVA generating plants to assist companies that will start with us in 2011. But like I said this is a short-term solution. Also in view of the importance of gas there are provisions to have gas pipeline coming into the Lekki Peninsula”, Oworu noted.

businessdayonline.com (http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2674:lagos-committed-to-completion-of-lftz-&catid=85:national&Itemid=340)

wrong thread.

It surprising their website has not been updated for long. Not only that, there are no images of work done so far in the free trade zone.

www.lekkifreezone-ng.com has not been updated for over a year now.

Is this project dead???

no, its not dead. its just that we havent heard any information about the project in a while. its very common in nigeria. There are many projects going on in nigeria with no public information about them.:)

I read somewhere the contractors usually restrict people from taking photos. There is always public information shortage of Nigerian projects.

Does any1 know if there is an updated website about this project??

Actually, the onsite work is ongoing. The Chinese has almost completed their quarters. I don't think there's any website with updates available!

ok.. since u seem to be an experrt on this forum, do you think the city will actually turb out to be as good as the renders? and also by when do you think it will be complete?

ok.. since u seem to be an experrt on this forum, do you think the city will actually turb out to be as good as the renders? and also by when do you think it will be complete?Am not an expert in this forum! I try my best possible to find information to get across here. The rendering is not that aesthetic as I would have loved it to be. I am sure the final construction will look good as the rendering because I read long time ago that the state govt. was very concerned about the quality of the project. I don't know when it will actually be completed. Nigerian projects usually take more than the schedule dates.

For further information on the project visit this LINK (http://www.lekkifreezone-ng.com/whoweare.php)

The deep sea port has been approved (december 2008):
NPA, Lagos approve $6 billion first deep sea port

THE promoters of the Lagos (Lekki) Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) have received the approval of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State government to build the first private and deep sea port in Lekki, 60 kilometres away from the Lagos metropolis. It would cost them $6 billion on completion.

According to the Project Director, Mr. Peter Banham, the port would be ready for commercial activities in 2011 to fully contribute to the success of the Federal Government's Vision 2020 goal. The vision is aimed at making the country one of the 20 top economies in the world.

Banham, who addressed newsmen in Lagos over the weekend, said the port would operate as a hub port besides being the first deep seaport in the country.

The port on completion, would be involved in containers, general cargoes and grains operations.

"The rationale behind the port is to provide a deep water port for Nigeria and allow larger vessels to berth. It is also to relieve the congestion in Lagos/Apapa ports. The site at Lekki is most ideally located to accommodate deep drafted vessels. The undersea contours allow the building of a deep channel most economically at Lekki. Also the port is located to take advantage of the future development of the new Lagos Free Trade Zone", he said.

Banham, who has been in shipping business for over four decades now, said everything has been concluded to enable the construction contract to be awarded in March 2009 as the channel dredging would hopefully commence in July 2010, he added.

According to him: "Phase one will be between 1.2/1.4 million TEUS (20' containers) and approx capable of handling 3,000,000 tons of break-bulk cargo. Phase two, when more land becomes available the port could handle over 2m TEUS, 3,000,000 tons of Bulk and up to 1M tones of liquid cargoes. Apart from approval by the NPA, and Lagos State government, the port project is privately owned and funded", he said.

The Guardian had reported that a group of foreign investors were concluding plans to establish the first deep sea and first hub port in Lagos, Nigeria. It would cost a whooping $6 billion on completion.

The port, being sponsored by investors from the United Kingdom and India and who are already operating multi-national companies in the country, would be ready for public use by the year 2010.

Many of the new port promoters told disclosed that it would be located within the Lagos Free Trade Zone in Lekki area of the metropolis.

http://mak-holding.com/images/lekki.jpg

great info but can someone find the download of this presentation, you'll know what im talking about when you go here (http://mak-holding.com/Catalogue.php)

35 foreign and local firms commit to Lekki FTZ

35 local and foreign companies have signed memoranda of understanding with the Lagos State Government to invest a total of US$1.496 billion in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

Thirty five foreign and local investors have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Lagos State Government to invest $1.496 billion in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, according to a recent Growth and Employment Report (GER) on Nigeria by World Bank Country Office, Abuja.

Five companies account for 64 percent or $955 million of the planned investment. These are Telsy Energy Consulting & Investment Limited that plan to build a power generating plant on a 20-hectare piece of land at a cost of $480 million and Giorgio Dredging Limited which is to build a petroleum products storage facility at a cost of $200 million on a 10-hectare expanse of land.

The third largest planned investment is by Cornerstone Consultants Limited that is to build a 126 MW gas power generation plant in the zone at a cost of $125 million on five hectares of land. This is followed by Netherland Mittal Steel, a famous steel company in the business of forging, processing and sale of steel that plans to establish a large-diameter welded-pipe mill at a cost of $100 million on 20-hectare piece of land. The fifth largest investment is a $50 million petroleum products storage base by UK Trafigura (Nigeria PUMA), one of the biggest oil traders in the world.

The growth and employment study soon to be released was made available exclusively to THISDAY recently. It evaluated Nigeria's industrial policy but concluded, among others, that there has been very little spill over effect across resident firms in Nigeria's free trade zones.

"This reduces the likelihood of realising important economic agglomeration and cross-industry learning effects", the authors emphasised adding that this finding "is unsurprising given there is limited incentive for cooperation, driven - as most of them are - to locate solely to access government incentives and other benefits".

"Second, self-discovery processes are likewise thwarted by this incentive environment -with firms looking to have commercial risk transferred to the public sector rather than seeing the government policies as a means to improve their capacity to manage it - thereby diminishing the prospects for productivity improvements", the report said.

The report also states that successful (market-based)

coordination, which is at the heart of effective public-private partnerships-remains unrealized due to weak administration and insufficient transparency and accountability for the costs and outcomes of industry policy.

The authors recommended that without greater attention to information and adequate monitoring and performance assessment, it would be hard for policy makers to arrive at informed assessments of performance and priority areas for industrial policy and programme

Allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/200910130117.html)

http://www.lfzdc.com/userfiles/image/2009-12/Lekki%20News/Moving%20to%20the%20Site/20091225646323735.jpg

http://www.lfzdc.com/userfiles/image/2009-12/Site%20Construction/2009121751289402.jpg

Good to see Progress. Thanks man.:yes:

uu gotta love those solar ppwered street lights. . .

way to go. . .this project,plus eko atlantic,plus the 10 lane lagos badagry expressway project should make lagos able to double its GDP in 5yrs. . .nice

triple post....lol

triple post....lol

The website was updated.........................................................................................i think???

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Wow.....a nice Videos of the Lekki free trade zone...lolz....:banana::banana:


THE VIDEO (http://www.lfzdc.com/E-shipin_a.asp?id=43)

SAME VIDEO IS BELOW ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

qEZ471l4N8Q

This project is just as big as the Eko Atlantic..maybe even bigger, I hope they contine along with it without any major problems, whether it be financial or political etc.

That's awesome, GAR3TH:okay: (I think the project is five-times bigger than Eko Atlantic City)

When is the project going to be ready?

Those site plans are candy to my eyes. You're doing a great job with this thread GAR3TH.

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nk1bG57flNw

k8dRpFKMBig

That last guy's Yoruba is deep. wish i can talk like that.

Construction of N1.5 Trillion Lekki Port Commences in Q3

Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), owners of Lekki Port say they have committed over $60 million (about N9.0 billion) into the preliminary activities towards the actual take off of construction work on the proposed $1.0 billion (about N1.5trilion) Nigeria's deep sea port.

Spokeman of the promoters of the projects Lekki Port (LFTZ) Enterprise, Mr.John Mastorouds said firm, which has Eurochem Corporation Pet limited of Singapore as its principal partner, disclosed that the original takeoff of construction was delayed principally because legal issues with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and infrastructural needs around the port area is far from been resolved. He said though the firm is waiting for the resolution of the legal issues, they have been working behind the scene to ensure the port takes off. He said construction would commence in the third quarter of the year as the management has been assured that the on-going amendment of the port act by the National Assembly will soon be completed.

Mastorouds who spoke in a press briefing in Lagos last Friday disclosed that the Lagos Free Trade Zone is receiving more partners for the project and has obtained the commitment of the Lagos State Government on the provision of infrastructure around the port area.

He further cleared the air on the complaint of the a former Comptroller General of Customs when he was at the free zone on inspection of facilities on ground, saying the construction of the perimeter fencing the former CG complained of is now been constructed, even as the promoters of the port have not commenced any serious business in the port as been speculated.

Mastorouds who addressed the press along side the firm's director of finance, Mr. Kundan Sainani, said when the port is completed, it will allow Suezemax (the largest naval carriers) ship to enter Nigerian waters. He disclosed that the free zone will cover an area of 500 hecters whwn it is fully developed. "It will also have the capacity of handling all types of cargo including containers, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The size of the lekki port when combined with its state of art cargo handling and storage infrastructure will make it an ideal platform for tran-shipment hub capable of servicing the entire West African coast."

He disclosed that the Eurochem of Singapore will be in charge of the building and operation of the port, and 'will be responsible for the day-today management of the port operations, marketing the services and facilities of the port to various shipping lines and users and elaborating future development plans.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201003290261.html

edit lol

More:

http://www.lekkizone.com/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/854458banner1.jpg

http://www.lekkizone.com/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/704742banner2.jpg

http://www.lekkizone.com/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/852865banner3.jpg

http://www.lekkizone.com/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/221728banner5.jpg

Nice Nice

Lekki Port to service sub-regional consumers ,Mastoroudes
Apr 10, 2010

By GODFREY BIVBERE
Management of the Lekki Port (LFTZ) Enterprises has said that the deepest port in the continent when completed would service consumers in the West and Central Africa subregion.

Disclosing this in Lagos, Executive Director of the firm, John Mastoroudes, said apart from having the advantage over Calabar Free Trade Zone in terms of consumer base, the port would also provide a development platform for investors through the company-oriented operation mode of sea port infrastructure.

“Unlike the Calabar Free Trade Zone, the Lagos zone has the advantage of having the largest consumer market in Africa with over 500 million potential consumers in both Nigeria and the surrounding countries. The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) will also provide a perfect development platform for investors, by using the company-oriented operation mode which is a sea port infrastructure. The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise will cover an area of 500 hectares when it is fully developed. It will also have the capability of handling all types of cargo including containers, liquid bulk and dry bulk,” he said.

Mastoroudes also explained that the port would be the first “deepwater port in Nigeria that will allow Suezmax (the largest naval carriers) ships to enter Nigerian waters. He pointed out that the size and scale of the port combined with its modern cargo handling and storage infrastructure would make it the ideal transhipment hub with the capacity to service the entire West African coast.

He further noted that the new port, when completed, would lay the foundation for a significant shift in Nigeria’s position from an exporter of natural resources into a regional industrial powerhouse. The project which will be operational in phases and will be fully operational by 2014, employs 350 people with a foreseeable 5,000 more to be employed over the next few years, he stated.

The Lekki Port boss also disclosed that the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Act is to be amended to allow private ports in the country. He however complained about the non existence of the legal frame work and the enabling legislation for the full operation of a private port.

He noted that since about 3,000 containers are expected to be moved from the port daily, it is imperative for good road network to be on ground before the port becomes fully operational while other infrastructure are also expected to be ready.
Mastoroudes who expressed concerns about the political and economic uncertainties in the country, however reinstated his faith in Nigeria, noting further that “we are dealing with government, not people.”

A chieftain of the firm, Peter Banham, had in the past told Vanguard that the terminal once competed will require about 1200 employees and this equates to about 5,000 additional indirect jobs. In addition ancillary port and transport related industries will also benefit.

Banham had said then that they would curb congestion by investing in the latest state of the art container handling equipment, as well as modern handling practices to ensure congestion would not be an issue at Lekki Port.

On when the port is expected to commence operations, he explained that “by late summer 2011 the port will be fully operational and ready by 2012 to allow tankers access”.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/04/10/lekki-port-to-service-sub-regional-consumers-mastoroudes/

I really do hope this project sees the light of day.. It is indeed a massive project.

http://i40.tinypic.com/nrt6q.jpg

My perception is that LFTZ phases are not receiving enough attention and urgency necessary to meeting the planning.Nothing I have seen so far here that depict the massiveness of that trade town.

There is this element of poor infrastructure as a constraint in the rapid development of the free trade zone. There are quite referrences to that in information on news stories during the three planned greenfield refineries meant for Nigeria, which the Lekki Free Trade Zone is among them.

Found a new website: www.lekkizone.com

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^^What is the white and blue building? I wonder if they have started constructed the sea port since they expect it to become operational in about a year from now.

any updates on this project?

http://www.louisberger.com/~/media/Images/LBG/Projects/International-Aviation-Ports/Port-Projects/Port-Lekki/Lekki_1.jpg

http://www.louisberger.com/~/media/Images/LBG/Projects/International-Aviation-Ports/Port-Projects/Port-Lekki/Lekki_3.jpg

http://www.louisberger.com/~/media/Images/LBG/Projects/International-Aviation-Ports/Port-Projects/Port-Lekki/Lekki_2.jpg

http://www.louisberger.com/~/media/Images/LBG/Projects/International-Aviation-Ports/Port-Projects/Port-Lekki/Lekki_4.jpg

The Louis Berger Group, Inc. has been retained by EuroChem Corporation of Singapore, with an established manufacturing and commercial presence in Nigeria, as the project management consultant for the design and construction of a new, Greenfield multi-use seaport, 60 kilometers east of Lagos. This new port facility, called Port@Lekki, will cover an area of 90 hectares and form an integral part of the new 220 hectare Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) being developed as a multi-product industrial and logistics hub for the entire West African region.

The works will consist of preparing final designs, construction, and commissioning of all port facilities inclusive of dredging, marine works, related port infrastructure, cargo handling equipment, power plant, and utilities. In the startup phase, the port will be equipped to handle 1.5 million TEUs (twenty feet equivalent unit) of containerized cargo together with one liquid cargo berth and one berth for dry bulk cargo. The key elements of the project include: 1,500 meter long main breakwater, 6 kilometer long approach channel with 14.5-meter depth, 1,500 meter quay wall, Cargo Handling Equipment (6 STS Cranes, 1 Mobile Harbor Crane, 21 RTG Cranes, 6 Top-picks, 6 Side-picks). These facilities, when constructed, will enable Port@Lekki to handle container vessels up to 4,000 TEUs and liquid bulk vessels up to 45,000 deadweight tons.

LBG's assignment is being carried out in two phases.

Phase I Effort:

* EPC Contractor Selection: LBG will assist the Client in selecting an EPC contractor to finalize the designs, construct, and commission the port facilities. This task includes the prequalification of international contractors, development of bidding documents, managing the bidding process, evaluation of bids, and assisting the client in negotiations with the preferred bidder.
* Port Infrastructure Plan: LBG, via its subcontractor, (BergerABAM) developed the preliminary designs for the land side port infrastructure facilities.
* Preliminary Cost Estimates: LBG developed a set of cost estimates for port and marine infrastructure works.
* Traffic Study: LBG conducted a traffic study for the access roads to the Port Lekki.

Phase II Effort (likely to commence in 2011):

LBG will provide all aspects of contract supervision through all phases of the project, from contractor start-up through final completion. Supervision activities include time and cost control, contractor start-up, performance monitoring and quality assurance/control, monitoring of safety, environment and security requirements, and general contract administration.


http://www.louisberger.com/OurProjects/Africa/Port-Lekki

What's really holding back rapid construction in the Free Trade Zone?

^^ Who told you "rapid development" is being held back? I wonder where u get your information at times. Just because we dont have pictorial update does not mean work has stalled

Newly comissioned administrative building

http://www.tundefashola.com/archives/photos/2010/08/19/20100819L01.jpg

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^^ Who told you "rapid development" is being held back? I wonder where u get your information at times. Just because we dont have pictorial update does not mean work has stalled

That’s all friendsofthecity does, is criticise our fathers land. I wonder how he’d feel if we spent all our time criticising his home land.

http://thewillnigeria.com/thumbnail.php?file=lekki_free_zone_297402508.jpg&size=article_medium

PHOTOS: Lagos Free Zone On Track, Fashola Commissions Complex
Font size: OUR REPORTER. 19/08/2010 20:44:00



San Francisco, August 19, (THEWILL) – The proposed Lekki-Epe Free Zone project got a boost today with the official commissioning of the zone’s landmark One Stop Shop administrative complex which will house the Customs, Immigration and Police amongst other government departments.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, today in Lagos officially commissioned the complex alongside Special Adviser, Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu; Managing Director, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited (LWIL), Mr. Ope George; Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), Mr. Chen Xiaoxing; Chairman LFZDC, Egnr. Segun Jawando and Commissioner for Special Duties to the Governor, Dr. Tola Kasali.


See gallery for more photos. . . .http://thewillnigeria.com/business/5615-PHOTOS-Lagos-Free-Zone-Track-Fashola-Commissions-Complex.html

That looks like a question than criticing your father's land to me.

Anyway, thanks for those images,Paddylo. I would like to see more image updates.

Nation Embarks On Vast Free Trade Zone With China

2 September 2010
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Nigeria is building a multi-billion dollar free trade zone with Chinese investors on the edge of its commercial capital Lagos to try to develop a local manufacturing base and help reduce its import dependence.

The $5 billion first phase of the Lekki Free zone, a 3,000 hectare site on the eastern fringe of the city, is 60 per cent held by Chinese investors and 40 per cent by the Lagos state government, the deputy head of the project told Reuters.



The consortium will provide basic infrastructure including roads, power plants and water plants before manufacturing firms are invited to set up business, Lekki Free Zone Development Co (LFZDC) deputy managing director, Adeyemo Thompson, said.

"We have a number of Chinese companies which are coming in the manufacturing area," Thompson said in an interview.

"They are coming to produce furniture, electronics, pharmaceuticals and heavy machinery. We are having a fair in November, that is when we kick off operations."

The Chinese shareholders in the project include China Railway Construction Corp., the China-Africa Development Fund Ltd and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd.


A total of 16,500 hectares of land bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagos and Lekki lagoons has been earmarked for the whole free zone, which will include a deepwater sea port and a new international airport in close proximity.

The aim of the free zone is to make it easier for foreign investors, particularly manufacturers, to build a foothold in sub-Saharan Africa's most populous nation and second-biggest economy while still owning 100 per cent of their firms.

It is modelled on free zones around China which have helped the Asian giant to develop its manufacturing base and economy over the past three decades.

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"We have a one-stop shop ... No investor has to deal with any government agency directly. We license the enterprises. You can register your enterprise within a week, get permits and everything you need to run your business," Thompson said.

"The free zone allows you to attract foreign direct investment into the country and investors are given some incentives ... It helps boost production, manufacturing, create employment and is a basis for sustainable infrastructure."

The manufacturing and agricultural sectors have been neglected since the 1970s oil boom, when Nigeria began making easy money from crude oil sales. Oil accounts for more than 80 percent of revenues and more than 60 percent of exports.

http://i28.tinypic.com/261jngx.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/21kl5l5.jpg

Nice solar lamps and they are very funny looking.

Very nice project, bravo to your government, he makes good investment for your country!!!

From The Press- China, Nigeria to build large free trade zone in Lagos

Posted: 06 Sep 2010 03:22 AM PDT

China and Nigeria are building one of Africa’s largest free trade zones in the commercial capital, Lagos. Chinese companies will use the facility to manufacture goods for export throughout Africa, according to Voice of America.
On the tip of the Lekki Peninsula in Lagos, Nigeria and China are building a 16,000 hectare free trade zone to develop local manufacturing and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported consumer goods.
It is one of the fastest growing areas in Lagos State and will soon have a new deep water port, an international airport and new hotels as part of a 60-40 partnership between the Chinese government and Lagos State.
Adeyemo Thompson is deputy managing director of the Lekki Free Zone Development Company. He says construction is on schedule for Chinese shareholders that include the China Railway Construction Corporation and the China-Africa Development Fund.
“In accordance with the master plan and the projections that we have made, I think, the first phase of the zone, that is the 3,000 hectare zone, will probably be close to a $5 billion (NZD$6.9 billion) investment, that is inclusive of the infrastructure we going to put on the ground, the roads, the power plants, the water plants,” Thompson said.
The global financial crisis has reduced demand for Chinese goods in the United States and Europe. Thompson says the Nigerian free trade zone gives Chinese companies greater access to growing African markets for consumer goods, electrical equipment, and industrial products.
“Part of the reason why Lekki Free Zone is so attractive to the Chinese is that, the Chinese government is encouraging those companies which are shutting down in China to move out,” he added.
He said the Chinese government has provided funds for these companies to move out and set up their factories in other parts of the world. “We have that market. Now the Nigeria government is also encouraging investors to go to China and probably buy those factories, which are shut down, maybe at a quarter of the price and bring them into Lekki, set it up and manufacture those goods which you know you have 100 percent market right here.”
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola says the free trade zone will help develop Nigeria’s manufacturing sector while cutting prices for consumers.
“There is a huge market immediately waiting, when you look at the how much our people spend importing goods from across the world, or for how much they pay in excess baggage at major airports, bringing this here is like bringing home prosperity,” said Fashola.
Nearly 90%t of products used in Nigeria come from outside the country. The free trade zone will allow Nigerians to buy many of the same products now produced in China without the cost of importing them, while creating jobs for Nigerian workers.
Chinese firms gain both more immediate access to African markets and far cheaper routes to ship their “Made in Nigeria” exports to Europe.
– Source Voice of America

This will help the Nigerian manufacturing sector leapfrog to success.It amazes me to see that Nigeria is a consuming nation that an export oriented after seeing that 90% of the goods use by the people are imported.

This will help the Nigerian manufacturing sector leapfrog to success.It amazes me to see that Nigeria is a consuming nation that an export oriented after seeing that 90% of the goods use by the people are imported.

I wonder where you get your stats from

From The Press- China, Nigeria to build large free trade zone in Lagos

Posted: 06 Sep 2010 03:22 AM PDT

China and Nigeria are building one of Africa’s largest free trade zones in the commercial capital, Lagos. Chinese companies will use the facility to manufacture goods for export throughout Africa, according to Voice of America.
On the tip of the Lekki Peninsula in Lagos, Nigeria and China are building a 16,000 hectare free trade zone to develop local manufacturing and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported consumer goods.
It is one of the fastest growing areas in Lagos State and will soon have a new deep water port, an international airport and new hotels as part of a 60-40 partnership between the Chinese government and Lagos State.
Adeyemo Thompson is deputy managing director of the Lekki Free Zone Development Company. He says construction is on schedule for Chinese shareholders that include the China Railway Construction Corporation and the China-Africa Development Fund.
“In accordance with the master plan and the projections that we have made, I think, the first phase of the zone, that is the 3,000 hectare zone, will probably be close to a $5 billion (NZD$6.9 billion) investment, that is inclusive of the infrastructure we going to put on the ground, the roads, the power plants, the water plants,” Thompson said.
The global financial crisis has reduced demand for Chinese goods in the United States and Europe. Thompson says the Nigerian free trade zone gives Chinese companies greater access to growing African markets for consumer goods, electrical equipment, and industrial products.
“Part of the reason why Lekki Free Zone is so attractive to the Chinese is that, the Chinese government is encouraging those companies which are shutting down in China to move out,” he added.
He said the Chinese government has provided funds for these companies to move out and set up their factories in other parts of the world. “We have that market. Now the Nigeria government is also encouraging investors to go to China and probably buy those factories, which are shut down, maybe at a quarter of the price and bring them into Lekki, set it up and manufacture those goods which you know you have 100 percent market right here.”
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola says the free trade zone will help develop Nigeria’s manufacturing sector while cutting prices for consumers.
“There is a huge market immediately waiting, when you look at the how much our people spend importing goods from across the world, or for how much they pay in excess baggage at major airports, bringing this here is like bringing home prosperity,” said Fashola.
Nearly 90%t of products used in Nigeria come from outside the country. The free trade zone will allow Nigerians to buy many of the same products now produced in China without the cost of importing them, while creating jobs for Nigerian workers.
Chinese firms gain both more immediate access to African markets and far cheaper routes to ship their “Made in Nigeria” exports to Europe.
– Source Voice of AmericaThat is where I got the statistic from. I doubt if you ever read through what people post here.

I read the article, and most likely dismissed that line as wild and bogus. I'll suggest you have a more valid reference than VOA and the likes for such sensitive statistics before quoting them as facts...

Thank you for the suggestion. Nevertheless, it doesn't really change anything as you can not read through people posts and comprehend them. I hope to see your statistic very soon.

Your condescending tone on the last page alone is what i fail to comprehend. & sure, I'll quote valid stats if i find them.

mHlB7U-xsUg

Looks like the render of the international airport at the end of the video

I would like to see some images of the deep-water port meant for the project. I think the port should be nearing completion by now

What are the latest updates on our Free Trade zone?

This project looks like its dead like tupac....:/

This project looks like its dead like tupac....:/

You so wrong Dennis. The Project is freaking still on...construction going on like never

You so wrong Dennis. The Project is freaking still on...construction going on like never

we need some updates badly

Great project, looking forward for updates.

FG sets up committee on Lekki Free Trade Zone Methanol Project

VICE President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has raised a sub-committee to streamline and report on the status of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Methanol Project with a view to making it more explicit and to identify priority areas for implementation.

The committee, to be chaired by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Mustapha Bello, has three weeks within which to summit its report.

The Vice-President stressed the need for a complete synchronisation and review of all contractual claims, including those of the engineering and electromechanical works.

He, therefore, charged the ministries of finance and justice to provide the detailed financial commitment of government and examine the existing legal agreement with a view to bringing up a clear view of the project, emphasising the need for a consultant to effectively supervise the project.
Sambo also enjoined the committee to critically look at the concept, cost and location in terms of raw materials supply for the project, directing that the ministry of petroleum resources should be the client ministry.

The meeting had earlier examined the directives of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as regards the need to proffer recommendations on the methanol project.

Mustapha briefed the committee on the concept and progress of the project.

He said the project was conceptualised on a debt conversation strategy and that the promoters were to buy the Federal Government debt and use it to develop the project.

The concessions unavailable were in terms of loans and grants, but subsequently, the government exited from the debt conversation strategy and no kobo was appropriated for the project.

Present at the meeting were the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), his counterpart in the Ministry of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman and the Minister of State, Finance and Commerce.

http://www.compassnewspaper.com/NG/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69625:fg-sets-up-committee-on-lekki-free-trade-zone-methanol-project&catid=43:news&Itemid=799

Signaporean investors pledge $1.35 to this project

Google it - i cant waste my time doing time

^^ negro post the facts from fiction

^^^ I am not google , google it yourself

Signaporean investors pledge $1.35 to this project

Google it - i cant waste my time doing time

Xterra surely if you saw this article online, all you had to do was insert the link so that others can refer to it. I mean its not rocket science. Geesh!!

^^ My connection was slow so i couldnt do it
I saw it in nairaland politics section so go there and check all the topics one by one up until Last week Thursday or check the Lekki Free Trade Zone thread or what is happening on Lekki Axis..

If you want it from xterra2 you have to wait 10 days as he is too bust tp be doing that :)

xterra2 u are a big fat liar

^^ Rubbish you idiot....

Just wait during christmas i would post it

^^ it's been 7 days since your original post on this, you could have posted it by now instead of arguing w/ Dennis. :lol:

^^ it's been 7 days since your original post on this, you could have posted it by now instead of arguing w/ Dennis. :lol:

He probably dont know Dennis :hilarious.........its funny though:lol:

Singaporean investors to stake N195b on Lekki port project


THURSDAY, 09 DECEMBER 2010 00:00 BY TAIWO HASSAN BUSINESS SERVICES - BUSINESS NEWS

A THIRD maritime gateway may soon emerge in Lagos, as investors from Singapore have concluded plans to invest about $1.3 billion (N195 billion) on Lekki Port, at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, in Lagos.

Stating this during a facility tour of the Apapa Terminal Ports/Tincan Island Terminal Ports in Lagos, on Tuesday, the leader of the Singaporean delegation, Mr. Mathew Chang, said the mission was to understudy the nation’s two biggest and largest ports, to identify the required technology needed to build the proposed Lekki terminal.

According to him, the terminal would be the first deep sea port in the whole of West Africa, with the state-of-art-technology.

Chang explained that the government of Singapore was interested in the completion of the port, which he said, was strategic to both countries in their economic ties.
The Lekki port has been projected to come on-stream in 2015.

Besides, the port would be an export and import terminal, with a draft of 40 metres, expected to contain volume of containers at a particular time.

During the delegation’s courtesy visit to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in Lagos, Chang said that Nigeria possesses the hub for African market in the maritime sector, adding that their intention was to compliment the abundant potentials the country possesses in the sector.

Chang, who was representing JURONG Port in Singapore said that the Environmental Impact Analysis on the Lekki terminal had been completed, noting that major construction work was ongoing, with the aim of delivering the project ahead of the scheduled period.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Abdulsalam, said the coming of the investors was strategic not only to the nation’s maritime sector, but to the economy as a whole.

Abdulsalam stressed that NPA was encouraged by the keen interest shown by the investors in Africa, and by choosing the Nigerian maritime sector.
According to him, government would provide an enabling environment to operators of the Lekki Free Trade Zone to ensure that all investments in the area are aimed at the nation’s economic growth.

He said that the authority has been working with the promoters of the Lekki terminal project to ensure that it is successful, adding that the project was very strategic for economic growth because of its strategic nature and where it was sited.
According to him, the setting up of the nation’s two biggest and largest ports in the city was already generating lots of challenges especially in the area of traffic jams and congestion, adding that the setting up of the Lekki Port Terminal, would open other business potential opportunities for importers/ exporters of goods and services.

“Most of our ports are located in the cities. Traffic is the major challenge that we are having now. Already, there is traffic being caused by port activities. So, we see the Lekki port project is strategic to the nation’s economy, because of its efficiency and location as it would open other doors of opportunities to importers and exporters of goods and services, “ he added.

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31789:singaporean-investors-to-stake-n195b-on-lekki-port-project&catid=31:business&Itemid=562

Out of nowhere paddylo emerge thanks for the article.

Thanks Paddy_Lo actually not, i saw the place since yestreday but i didnt wanted to post it because of this silly dennis...
But dennis said am a liar, here is the link from paddy-lo and if you think i didn't see it
check out this link http://www.flickr.com/photos/47040104@N04/5269691026/
it is the 7th article on my history list....

Who is lying dennis?
Silly person, I have never seen you contributing anything to this forum, whether an article or a picture, you just come and keep posting on articles, :|
-
Actually reason is that, my connection was slow and i was in a hurry , so i had to um get offline that why i didnt post it, if i have things that needs to be posted i do post them (well except one that people would be excited about :p :p )

^^ it's been 7 days since your original post on this, you could have posted it by now instead of arguing w/ Dennis. :lol:

Yeah i know am sorry i didnt post it, i was in a hurry and my connection was slow, ( not mine actually my neighbors unprotected wifi was slow)
But i wanted to post it but paddy lo came all the same since we saw it ..
At least i showed dennis i wasn't lying,

He probably dont know Dennis :hilarious.........its funny though:lol:
Yh i prolly dont know him except that he is silly and does
not contribute anything to this forum just his useless post ....
Tell me more

I hate people saying am lying when am not.. it is just very annoying

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3lFqBksmrE/THLLy5NhVfI/AAAAAAAAg0M/ZqGJYTPwDSQ/s1600/40962_458335728487_119586108487_6515709_8023559_n.jpg

LFTZ triggers real estate boom in Lekki Business District

AN upswing of real estate development activities have hit the Lekki Business District corridor, following renewed interest by investors and property developers on the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

Coming on the heels of visit by the Singaporean delegation that proposed investment portfolio up to $1.3 billion worth of projects. Other new attractions are the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has also indicated interest in the construction of a designated port, to be known as “Lekki Port” as well as Unity Bank Plc bankrolling a credit facility of N5.5 billion for a project tagged “La Plage Project,” which will form “Lekki Business District”.

The Guardian gathered from experts that the LFTZ has contributed immensely to the resurgence of real estate development in the once sleepy communities, especially villages surrounding the LETZ zone.

The development has triggered of high demand for land, which has made price to skyrocket or almost double. Among factors prompting an increase in demand of property is the presence of foreign investors. Some of them have already commenced construction activities such as clearing of sites, and provision of infrastructure, installation of equipment on sites.

Official figures released show that 65 individuals and organisations has either purchased land or in the process of completing the process at the Ibeju-Lekki Urban and Regional Development Authority, a department of Lagos Urban and Regional Development Authority.

Sources revealed an upsurge in application for approval in the last one year. For instance, applications and request for information doubled in 2010, compared to what was obtainable in 2008-2009. “We have received more than 60 applications in the last eight months, despite the individual prospective house owners who may have started their projects before seeking for approval”.

Its a good tidings for land owners in the adjoining communities that include Tiye, Bogije, Igando Oloja, Ibeju Town, Lakowe, including Epe axis as real estate development has lifted developments in their communities such as increase in the number of new homes, estate developments, educational institutions, religious organisations, hotels and tourism centres.

The new estates include Ameen Housing Estate, located in Eleko Junction, the proposed Charis University, and a private institution that one of its Trustee Professor Ajeyalemi said, “is to cater for post-graduate courses aimed at producing specialised skills that may be readily available for the need of the LFTZ”.

Expressing similar view, Mr. Simon Kehinde, Project Manager, Glorious Shelter, one of the new developer in the area noted that the development is not surprising.

According to Kehinde, Ibeju-Lekki, up to Igbogun, the boundary between Lagos and Ogun Waterside to Epe-Odomola areas is one of the areas that has expanse of land free from encumbrances. “Besides, LFTZ is an investors haven, especially in housing and other real estate projects. By the time the zone commences operations in full operation, request for residential or ware housing accommodations would be in high demand”.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Wale Raji, the ministry overseeing the free trade zone project said the development is a welcome one.

He confirmed that a request for land by corporate organisations and manufacturer outfits in the entire locality has been in high demand. He said, while government welcomes demands, it is conscious of the need of traditional landowners whose interests need to be protected.

“It is true that demands for land is increasing on daily basis, but government is conscious of the need to protect the villagers to ensure that they get the needed land excised for them for their personal use,” he said.

guardiannews (http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36982:lftz-triggers-real-estate-boom-in-lekki-business-district&catid=25:property&Itemid=655)

‘Ex-gov frustrated FG’s effort on Lekki FTZ’

PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos East Senatorial District candidate, Al-Mustain Alade Abaniwonda, has accused a former governor of Lagos State of frustrating the Federal Government’s effort on the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ), while he was ruling the state.

Speaking at the flagging off of the PDP campaign in Epe on Tuesday, Abaniwonda said the Federal Government had planned to do the FTZ during the tenure of the ex-governor, “but he frustrated the effort because he wanted 65 per cent stake in the project”.

Abaniwonda was said to have left the Action Congress (AC) after 2003, when he sought the senatorial district’s ticket on the party's platform, but was asked to step down for the eventual winner of the ticket, Olorunnimbe Mamora.

He said his emergence as the PDP’s flag bearer for the senatorial election is a divinely orchestrated one, which now needs only the people’s support to be realised, insisting that President Goodluck Jonathan was right to have labelled the ACN leaders as rascals.

“When they asked Mamora what he brought from Abuja, he said ‘You know we were in the opposition party’. Do you want to send another opposition this time and end up getting nothing out of your due from the Federal Government?” He asked the crowd.

The PDP Chairman for the district, Olusegun Adeyemi, who said the people of Epe had been enslaved through the state government's land acquisition drive, said the people have gained nothing under the ACN administration.

“Our hospitals and roads are bad. Our children, who we spent heavily on for their education, are jobless. We are not voting in the coming election for a candidate, but we are voting to liberate ourselves. It is a rescue operation and we must all work towards its achievement,” said Adeyemi.

He urged the people to draw inspiration from the party’s recent victory in the Ikorodu Constituency II by-election and be ready to re-enact the same feat in the coming general elections.

According to him, “the ACN spent N54 million for the Ikorodu election. Our leaders only gave us N32 million and we defeated them. We can do it again.”

One of the party’s gubernatorial aspirants, Babatunde Gbadamosi, said the fact that the PDP won the two by-elections that have been held in the state is a clear sign that the Lagos East Senatorial District, where the two by-elections were held, belongs to the party.

http://www.compassnewspaper.com/NG/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75905:-ex-gov-frustrated-fgs-effort-on-lekki-ftz&catid=43:news&Itemid=799

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0010.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0006.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0005.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0009.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0007.jpg

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/scan0008.jpg

Courtesy of Modamo Photography (http://www.modamo.com/)

Tel: +234-(0)-808-074-9075 [Lagos]

http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af298/ONLY1GAR3TH/Untitled-35.jpg

Lekki Seaport

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/slideshow/home/banner3.jpg

Scale models

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/40%20-%20Scaled%20Model%20of%20Tolaram%20Lekki%20Port.jpg
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/39%20-%20Scaled%20Model%20of%20Tolaram%20Lekki%20Port.jpg
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/38%20-%20Scaled%20Model%20of%20Tolaram%20Lekki%20Port.jpg
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/37%20-%20Scaled%20Model%20of%20Tolaram%20Lekki%20Port_aerial%20view.jpg
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/36%20-%20MD%20of%20NPA,%20Mr.%20Omar%20Suleiman%20viewing%20the%20scaled%20model%20of%20portlekki.JPG

Construction

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/34.JPG
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/31.JPG
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/26.JPG
(Headquarters)

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/32%20-%20Progress%20of%20interior%20of%20Corporate%20Headquarters.JPG
(Headquarters interior)

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/24%20-%20Progress%20of%20Warehouse%202.JPG
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/22%20-%20progress%20of%20%20Warehouse%202.JPG
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/21%20-%20progress%20of%20%20Warehouse%201.JPG
(Warehouse 2 & 1)

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/23%20-%20Test%20Pile%20near%20Corporate%20Headquarters.JPG
(Test Pile)

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/19%20-%20Site%20progress.JPG
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/4.JPG

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/18%20-%20soil%20investigation.JPG
(Soil Testing)

Very nice :cheers:

Thought this project was dead

Great update!

Nice update guys and great project keep it up ;)

Nice to see the project actually progressing.... :)

nice pictures

bump

Lekki Free Zone: A dream gone awry


By FRANK AVAN
Thursday, October 20, 2011



More Stories on This Section
It is so disheartening that the Lekki World Wide Investments Ltd (lwil) set up 8 years ago with so much high hopes and promises has failed woefully to live up to expectations. There is no need to look far for its failure, for simply put, the leadership of the company has fallen short of its promise.

Suffused with grandiose ideas and dreams of mega bucks, this leadership has remained just 'day-dreamers', lacking in reality and short of practical common sense, all too poorly conceptualized to result in any meaningful growth and members of staff, if clearly focused, are just stagnant. Its founding vision was that of a “catalyst for regional economic growth, sustainable development and diversification”.

Its mission “ … to develop a 21st Century model city as a global business have, attracting international investment, promoting exports and creating job opportunities…” so says a promotional brochure by Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd., on the Lekki Free Zone, proclaiming a vision of Lekki as; “ … the market leader in Africa through our commitment to exceed the expectations of the global business community, offering world-class infrastructure, a conducive business environment and value added services.

Such lofty aspirations! And Such shoddy implementation! The company is so far away from public/private participation, and has not even applied to be listed at the Stock Exchange. Yet in 2006, when the Lekki Wlorldwide Investments Ltd (LWIL) was established, the concept was irresistibly attractive. It was visualized as a veritable special purpose vehicle, as it were, a public enterprise, attracting private placements, privately driven, devoid of strangling bureaucracy, maximally exploiting the special, the very special attributes of the peculiar Lekki-Lagos ambience, to establish a Free Zone of “ … unparalleled opportunities where business thrives and investors believe in their limitless potential to shape tomorrow”.

Sadly, eight years down the road, business is yet to start, not to talk of thriving. With all the opportunities offered by the special nature of Lagos as the heart of Africa, poised to connect the regional markets to the globe: - a first class airport, modern sea ports, a population of 13 million people, a 200 kilometer coastline, bounded by 2 peninsulas home to 60% of all Nigeria's industrial and commercial establishments, and accounting for a very high percentage of gross Nigerian foreign trade, it is such an unforgiveable shame, that the Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd. has not risen to the challenges of Lekki Free Zone as the 'market leader' in Africa.

It hurts so much, when we consider the available resources, - human and material, geographical and ecological, all yearning to be tapped. 16,500 hectares of land, two peninsulas of infinite opportunities bounded by the Lekki lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, openings in oil and gas, in industrial manufacturing, finance, real estate, recreation, hospitality business and tourism, Lagos is rightly tagged “ … the fastest growing mega-city in the world…” indeed, there is no place like Lagos. It connects “ … an economic hub with more than 250 financial institutions to the West African Coast and the larger world. See these statistics: -

“ Expanding at 5% per annum, with a population density second only to Mumbai and projected to become the 3rd biggest conurbation on the planet by 2015, The city of Lagos is the leading non-oil sector contributor to the National GNP, Lagos represents the financial, commercial and industrial hub of Nigeria, In 2006, it contributed 30% of the National GNP, consumed more than 60% of its energy, paid 65% of its Value Added Tax (VAT) and accounted for 90% of Nigeria's foreign trade and 70% of all industrial investment, With three lighter terminals and two ports, Lagos generates 50% of Nigeria's Port revenue.” These statistics only tell one half of the story of Lagos, and the Lekki Free Zone was supposed to harness this potential, but ignobly, the story has remained pure supposition; no action, no intent, and no progress.

Instead ,the management of this proposed Free Zone has been hypnotized by day dreams, all talk of fabulous sums of money to be made, all the talk, calculated to siphon huge amounts for pleasure trips abroad, to Cairo, Dubai, China, Hong Kong, USA etc all purportedly in search of private partnership. So far, only the Chinese, that were brought in by the previous administration are on ground, but if care is not taken, all they will have to show is a “China town” of buying and selling, though there are visible signs of miniature developments. No factories yet, no industrial manufacturing on-going. Is this all that Lekki Free Zone promises? When leadership is shallow, there is no deep water for innovations and deep economic thinking, and that is what is happening to the concept of the Lekki Free Zone. Maybe it is time for Governor Fashola to step in with his magic wand, to put in that touch of sanity that he is well known for.

Of the 24 Free Zones all over Nigeria, the Lekki Free Zone stands to reap 50% of the overall national activity, but it will never get there unless there is a change of pilot, an injection of focused blooded people. At present, the orientation is to project for grandiose plans for overnight mega-wealth, so much so that one wonders; would the M/D and the Board of LWIL have been so un-assiduos, were the company their own personal enterprise and not Government owned as it is now? Where are all the foreign participating partners promised by the countless trips abroad, or did it all disappear into private pockets?

The M/D and the Board (LWIL) should tell the taxpayers what mileage they have achieved with the billions squandered so far. What type of Board anyway? What type of Board is in place! A Board with her treasure locked within to multiply or just satisfied with entitlements at government's expense? In this age of a new beginning, we cannot afford to patronize mediocrity. We need pro-active mentality, we demand open and accountable management, the Lekki Free Zone deserves its place as “Primus interpares” in the forefront of commercial activity in Nigeria, West Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa . Why the slumber of all stakeholders and shareholders; they should wake up and lead a concerted effort to galvanize all ideas for optimum productivity of the Lekki Free Zone as set out by the founding fathers.

Instead of all these high - faulting dreams, the Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd (LWIL) should come down to practical bases. A series of small practicable activity should precede the more ambitious long-term investments. More expert use of the internet will save the money presently expended on air tickets and hotels. The international highway of information is there at the laptop, palmtop, desktop, for that matter. The Lekki Free Zone is so vast, for God's sake, where are the manufacturers.

Six years of go slow and the vehicle is stalled; the driver is expired, and the motor boy is hoarse from shouting in vain; and as for the passengers, they have succumbed to restlessness! In this day as Lagos, the centre of excellence, government must not be seen promoting failure. If the top exhibits only fat dreams, shows no frugality, exhibits no forward movement, then it is time that government shows them the door.

Governor Tinubu brought the Chinese in his time, and now it is Governor Fashola's time to bring in other investors for healthy rivalry and competitive edge for improved economy.

Avan writes from Gelegele, Edo State.

"an injection of focus blooded people"

why is everyone in Nigeria allowed to be a journalist or writer? I really think Nigeria needs stiff regulations on who's allowed to call themselves what. I don't think there was an 8 word span without a major disaster in use of the english language.


This is why nigerians are so misinformed, pessimistic and disgruntled with everything, include visible progess. They get their news from illiterate shock jocks with no refinement or training. What's to become of every possible nigerian grassroots investor that reads this? They will say the Lekki FTZ doesn't exist and the project will be overrun by foriegners that have credible media telling them the benefits of investing instead of fuming about the government not working even when it's working. Illiterate media is dangerous, and this is why nobody in Nigeria knows about Eko Atlantic and why that project will also by 100% white/chinese owned.

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/23%20-%20Test%20Pile%20near%20Corporate%20Headquarters.JPG

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/35%20-%20NPA%20team%20visits%20Tolaram%20Group%20office,%20Singapore.JPG

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/3%20-%20Marlum's%20excavator%20received%20at%20site.JPG

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/20%20-%20Start%20of%20Erection%20Work%20of%20Warehouse%201.JPG

http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/PhotoGallery/23%20-%20Test%20Pile%20near%20Corporate%20Headquarters.JPG

No ''real'' on site updates. Heared from a source, that the Lekki port should start handling containers by next year [2012)[Very Unlikely, according to site plans}, and should be able to process in excess of 2.5 Million TEU's, by full completion by ''15}- In 4 yyrs.
The port will also have three container berths equipped to handle over 1.5 million TEUs, one liquid berth and one berth for dry bulk cargo.

^^
http://www.lekkiport.com/images/stories/article_pics/timeline.jpg

I hate this project

but why??

The stuff I have read about this project are just magnificent on paper..

such as the manufacturing and processing etc....

but what you see happening on ground is like 1/1000th of that.

The stuff I have read about this project are just magnificent on paper..

such as the manufacturing and processing etc....

but what you see happening on ground is like 1/1000th of that.

Why don;t u just say then, that u think the progress of the project is slower than it should be, instead of saying ''It is only magnificent on paper''??

I hate this project

A very dissapointing project indeed..:ohno::ohno:

Land of Honey City @ Lekki Free Trade Zone

Kohath Property Development Company (KPDC) is currently working in conjunction with the Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited (LWIL) in a joint venture to develop Land of Honey; a mixed-city of 1000 hectares of land at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

The City would be a combination of an Ultimate Lifestyle Entertainment Centre, Training Convention centres, a 4-star all-suite lodge, a 6-star hotel, a shopping mall and retail outlets, an IPP, a medical research institute, educational institutions, shopping street/mall; high density, mixed density and low density housing schemes.

A true City planned, developed and will be built according to international standards in every respect by world class engineers, architects, management teams and professionals. A comfortable living and working environment it would be and we project a migration of a large portion of Lagos residents to the city.



Kohath Property Development Company has adopted a four-phased development plan for the ‘Land Of Honey’. The phases are summarized as follows:

PHASE 1 (250 HECTARES):

• Ultimate Lifestyle Entertainment Centre (“Magic Island”).
•Theme Parks
•Water Park
•Zoo
•Amusement Park
•Arcades
•Mini‐Casino


• Four (4) Star all suite lodge (50 –100 rooms).
• Overall Landscaping and Preliminary Infrastructure.
• Obafemi Awolowo Convention and Training Centre
• Beginning of Off‐Plan Sales – Preliminary Introduction

PHASE 2 (350 HECTARES):

• Off Plan Sales of Residential Units and Pockets for Individual and/or collective development.
Target Markets:
•Oil and Gas Company cooperatives
•Pension Funds
•Mass Housing Schemes
•High Density Housing


Preliminary Description:
•2 & 3 Storey Commercial Plots with 6 storey tower blocks, interspersed top floors for commercial or residential
•Mixed Apartments 1/2/3 bed penthouses, 5 storey apartment towersset in public landscaped parklands.


• Shopping Mall & Retail Outlets.
Major Brands:
•Marks & Spencer
•Next, Tru‐worths, Pick & Pay, Game, e.t.c


• Integrated Power Project.
• Medical Research Institute

PHASE 3 (300 HECTARES):

• Development of Commercial Core and Business District
• Educational Institution (Possibly; African Leadership Academy)
• 6‐Star Hotel on an Island
• Pedestrian Friendly Shopping Street/Mall
Designer Brands:
•Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lorenzo Banfi, Zegna, Tumi, Armani, e.t.c
•House of Tara, other Nigerian Brands.


• Medium Density Housing
Mixed Income Owners:
•Two Storey row houses/semi‐detached with private front and back garden


PHASE 4 (100 HECTARES):

• Low Density Residential
Upper Income Mixed:
•Two (2) storey freestanding waterfront houses, each with a boat launch/waterfront facilities
• Exclusive two (2) storey freestanding villas on very large plotsset in a landscaped golf course with marina styling. This will be an ultra exclusive lifestyle.





This gone be nice. Hope to see pictures soon and that all necessary processes done quick so that construction can start.

I came across an article on the development of the Land Of Honey project in the Lekki Free Trade zone area. I believe this is an up and coming area and this being the case, I would like to find out how I could purchase a residential parcel of land in the area for my personal use in the future.

Can you help or point me in the right direction?

Hi guys,

I live in Brno and follow your thread regularly - unfortunately for someone who doesn't speak Czech, it's not always easy, but thanks Google trans can at least give a close idea of what is discussed ;-)
About the new Train station, I was wondering, did anyone suggest to keep the current train station for local transport (IDS) and build a new one in south center for international/long distance transport?
I guess that could make everyone happy...

Hi guys,

I live in Brno and follow your thread regularly - unfortunately for someone who doesn't speak Czech, it's not always easy, but thanks Google trans can at least give a close idea of what is discussed ;-)
About the new Train station, I was wondering, did anyone suggest to keep the current train station for local transport (IDS) and build a new one in south center for international/long distance transport?
I guess that could make everyone happy...
Sorry completely wrong topic - plz ignore

Another flop project?

I was actually looking forward to this one.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7653/sbaglekkifreezone007.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/1870/sbaglekkifreezone012.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7641/sbaglekkifreezone020.jpg

Another flop project?

I was actually looking forward to this one.

Not so fast, Mr, calm your reins.

Will it have its own power station?

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has described the Lekki Free Trade Zone as a major vehicle to attract investment into the country.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to provide a direct gas pipeline to the zone to enable it generate its own power.

Fashola, who spoke recently at the Investment Hall of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, while commencing the zone’s investment forum and the Eko Expo 2012, said gas was the major requirement for the sustainability of the zone.

He added that though some companies have shown interest in generating power in the zone, such power would not be sustainable if it has to be fuelled with diesel.

“We acknowledge the support that the Federal Government is giving. The environment for investment they have created. The men of Customs and Immigration here; but we need a direct gas pipeline into the zone in order to generate its own power,” the governor said, adding, “Mrs. Oworu has told us of some companies that have shown interest in generating power here. But the plan cannot be sustainable if we generate power and fuel it with diesel.”

Describing the Lekki Free Trade Zone as a useful model, Fashola said the zone, like its counterparts all over the world, represents a vehicle to attract investment into the country, adding that his administration is committed to driving the model to achieve that objective.

Citing the Chinese example, the governor, who said the nation’s economy was now dominated by goods made in China, pointed out that it was because the Chinese Government provided the conducive environment for investment that manufacturers go to China to set up manufacturing industries.

Fashola declared, “Today, our life is dominated by things made in China. It is not an accident. It was a major economic strategy that made the Chinese market the easiest and most efficient place to manufacture goods. It is not so much what the Chinese made themselves that made them leaders of the global economy but what the world has decided to go and manufacture in China and one of the vehicles for giving that attraction to the Chinese economy are economic zones and free zones like this,” the governor said.

“We have adopted a useful model and are working with partners who have done it before. It is now our commitment to use that model to achieve what we want,” the governor said, adding that although Africa is being touted as the growth pole of the world and the future investment destination, this would only come true if the right economic steps are taken by Africans themselves.

He declared, “Make no mistake about it, it is not a given thing, we must earn it. There are cycles of development that move around and it is not enough to count the numbers. It is a huge opportunity but we must do the right things”, adding, “I think the Free Trade Zone, the partnership we have with he Federal Government and the enthusiasm shown by the Minister of Trade and Investment is a strong signal of our commitment to take the opportunity now”.
Fashola expressed joy that the investment drive in the Lekki Free Trade Zone is being led by Nigerian companies who, according to him, “are putting their money in their own economy”.

“The most significant thing that is happening here is the investment drive that is being led by Nigerians; an investment drive where Nigerian companies, Nigerian industries are putting their money in their own economy”, the governor said.

He added: “The truth is that there are no investments coming from the outside that will be bigger than what we can generate here and if we don’t put our money into it, nobody is going to come.”

According to him, “That is why our government has focused on providing the materials that we are convinced will stimulate investment, providing the necessary secure environment in which to do business. That is why we have invested so much in security; that is why we have invested so much in transportation which is the linchpin of modern civilisation and without which there is no business”.


Throwing more light on what informed the recently signed Traffic Law in the state, the governor said, “This Free Trade Zone sits between a seaport which will be somewhere in the Atlantic and in the front of it will be an airport to provide a logistic centre to bring in raw material and to take goods out easily.”

“That is why the 40 members of the House of Assembly found it necessary to enact traffic laws to ensure that the Lekki-Epe Expressway that is coming this way serves its purpose to become an efficient road network into this place with law abiding citizens driving in the right direction, obeying traffic rules so that people can move goods and move in an efficient and cost saving manner for the benefit of all of us,” the Governor said.

On the Eko Expo 2012, Governor Fashola, who paid tribute to the initiator and first Military Governor of the State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, said the Expo had grown like the Lagos International Trade Fair over the years but had also experienced a lull adding that when the proposal to hold it was brought to him, he said the only condition in which he would approve was that it be held at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“The Governor, who said the event was initially planned for the Tafawa Balewa Square, declared, “But I said the only condition I can approve it is if it is held in this new Trade Zone; the industrial hub for Lagos and Africa so that people will come and see what we are talking about and also the opportunities that lie here,” the Governor said.

Governor Fashola paid glowing tribute to the managing company of the Free Trade Zone, the Chinese partners and the people of Ibeju Lekki who gave their land for the project as well as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry led by Mrs. Sola Oworu pointing out that the development that has taken place in the last 18 months has been tremendous.

“I think about 18 months ago when I came here, what we came to open was the Data Processing Centre and the One-Stop Shop where you have all of the Customs and Immigration and all of the facilities. And, I tell you, when I came here today, I almost lost my way and the credit must go to the management company, our partners and the leadership provided by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the leadership of Mrs. Sola Oworu.”

VENTURES AFRICA – The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), Lagos is primed for investments worth over 170 billion naira ($1 billion), Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga revealed during the LFTZ Investment forum in Lagos on Monday

During the forum, which also served as the opening ceremony of the Eko Expo 2012, the minister disclosed that “Nigeria is trying to replicate China’s innovation of free trade zone for economic development.” He said, “The highest Gross Domestic Product rate of the Chinese economy is from investment in the free trade zone and that is exactly what we are trying to do in Nigeria”

The Lekki Free Trade Zone, which is expected to provide 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs in the next five years, had its top investments from Puma Energy Free Zone Enterprise, which plans to invest $400 million (N6.2 billion) in the zone with construction work already in progress.

Other investors include Imad Oil and Gas FZE $200 million (N3.1 billion), China Railway Construction Corporation with $50 million (8 billion naira), and YFK Pharmaceutical FZE with $30 million (5 billion naira).

According to a BusinessDay report, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, challenged Nigerian investors to seize the initiative and invest massively in the free trade zone. “Nobody will develop the Nigerian economy if we fail to invest in our own economy”, the Governor added.

Earlier in the year, the World Bank’s Director of Finance and Private Sector Development for Africa, Mr Gaiv Tata reaffirmed the global financial institution’s commitment to assist the Lagos State Government in the development of the FTZ.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) is located in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, and is ideal for manufacturers and businesses in all sectors. With the city’s population density and ratio of business activities, a FTZ would be apt if the authorities can overcome the perennial blueprint-to-trash can culture projects of this magnitude have been associated with in recent times.
:)

"an injection of focus blooded people"

why is everyone in Nigeria allowed to be a journalist or writer? I really think Nigeria needs stiff regulations on who's allowed to call themselves what. I don't think there was an 8 word span without a major disaster in use of the english language.


This is why nigerians are so misinformed, pessimistic and disgruntled with everything, include visible progess. They get their news from illiterate shock jocks with no refinement or training. What's to become of every possible nigerian grassroots investor that reads this? They will say the Lekki FTZ doesn't exist and the project will be overrun by foriegners that have credible media telling them the benefits of investing instead of fuming about the government not working even when it's working. Illiterate media is dangerous, and this is why nobody in Nigeria knows about Eko Atlantic and why that project will also by 100% white/chinese owned.

May your days be long.

why is everyone in Nigeria allowed to be a journalist or writer? I really think Nigeria needs stiff regulations on who's allowed to call themselves what. I don't think there was an 8 word span without a major disaster in use of the english language.


Because if you give them informations and knowledges then you give them weapons to fight ... some expatriates have recieved a good education in europeans or americans universities, but they stay in occident ... In my opinion, they should go back to africa and invest ...

Sorry for my english because i'm french !!!

The writers at home are more talented than the expatriates, the issue isn't a lack of talent at home, it's the selection process. an Expat will be picked automatically, even if they have no talent, then a relative or friend/crony, then a bribe payer. The ones with actual talent won't work in their field of expertise.

The writers at home are more talented than the expatriates, the issue isn't a lack of talent at home, it's the selection process. an Expat will be picked automatically, even if they have no talent, then a relative or friend/crony, then a bribe payer. The ones with actual talent won't work in their field of expertise.
Broad brush overgeneralization.

There's no empirical evidence to support that proposition, but whatever the case (or cause) may be there are lots of truly atrocious "journalists" in Nigeria.

perhaps, my point is the issue isn't a lack of talent it's a lack of fairness.