New Lagos port aimed at transforming Nigeria trade opens

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has officially opened a new port near Lagos which could have an economic impact across West Africa.

The vast $1.5bn-Lekki Deep Sea Port, which took six years to complete, will serve as a gateway for cargo vessels in the region.

Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the new facility will create about 200,000 jobs both directly and indirectly and generate billions of dollars in revenue for the country.

The port is expected to reduce the high cost of bringing goods into the country by reducing the vessel turnaround time, which has hampered business at the country's other ports.

Lagos currently relies on old and congested ports whose waters are unable to dock larger vessels and contribute to traffic congestion within the city.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Image via CCE Online.