A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, the Dangote Group, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Flour Mills of Nigeria, regarding the rehabilitation of the worn out 2km-long Wharf road in Apapa, Lagos.

Worth N4.34billion ($13million), the project will be carried out by the construction arm of the Dangote Group, AG Dangote and will last one year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (photo), explained that the project became important as the gridlock in Apapa had reached an unbearable level. He said the usage of road instead of rail for haulage by transporters aggravated the gridlock and made life unbearable for residents.

“As a result of all these unsavory practices, we have reached a point of near total gridlock. It is difficult to move cargo in or out; difficult for residents to get home and this must stop,” he lamented.

According to Fashola, while the partners are funding the project, it is the responsibility of the Ministry to supervise it to ensure quality and compliance with standards.

He therefore, urged all Lagos residents to cooperate with the government and endure until the challenges are resolved.

Commenting on the project, Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Paul Gbededo, said: “Apapa has become a very difficult place to work. With this project that the federal government has allowed to embark on, it will give succor to business. It has the biggest port in Nigeria and should not be taken with levity.”

Anita Fatunji