Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, stated that as part of strategies to actualise the agenda of making Lagos a 21st-century economy, his administration is committed to providing an enabling environment and infrastructure to maximise the economic potential in the maritime space.
The governor stated this at a reception to celebrate the maiden ‘Voyage of MV Great Lagos’, a vessel owned by Grimaldi, at the PTML Terminal, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Apapa, Lagos, on Monday.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, added that the capacity of the Badagry deep seaport, which is currently under construction, and that of the Lekki deep seaport, which is already in operation, would boost the status of Lagos State as the hub for maritime business in Africa.
While appreciating the Grimaldi Group for its unwavering commitment to the state, the governor said, “The arrival of the ‘Great Lagos’ is a testament to the group’s confidence in our economy and the potential of our people. Your investment, particularly through your subsidiary, the PTML terminal, has been nothing short of transformative. Your contribution reinforces our position as a pivotal economic hub and a gateway to the African continent.
“This vessel is not just a means of marine transportation but a physical embodiment of our shared vision for a prosperous, connected Lagos that plays a central role in the global maritime industry. It is a symbol of our collective efforts to foster an environment where innovation thrives, and opportunities abound.”
In his remarks, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said his ministry would continue to provide the enabling environment, develop policies, and offer necessary support to grow the maritime sector and help the present administration in achieving its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of PTMAL, Mr Ascanio Russo, stated that the launch of the Great Lagos ship was a reaffirmation of the devotion of the PTMAL and the Grimaldi group to Lagos and Nigeria’s economy.
“The Great Lagos is more than just a name, it embodies the spirit, resilience and dynamics of Lagos and the people, it is a tribute to the important role Lagos plays, not only in the region but in the entire African continent,” he stated.
In his goodwill message, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano De Leo, stated that the increasing synergy that existed between Nigeria, the Grimaldi group and Lagos, had positively contributed to the development of the state and country at large.
