As plans for the commencement of operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport gather momentum, residents have expressed fears that the area might become another Apapa when the port becomes fully operational.
Already, some Baale (community chiefs/leaders) and rich individuals within and around the port areas have started relocating from that axis.
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A visit showed the port is about 98 per cent completed and test run of the facility has also commenced.
Mr Olawale Domingo, a resident in Akodo, a community within the port area, confirmed the relocation of some Baale, adding that payments they got from promoters of the port facilitated their movement to more comfortable areas within the Lekki Peninsula.
Domingo also disclosed that siting the port in the area had led to a sharp increase in values of lands and properties in the axis.
Apart from the port that took a sizeable chunk of the lands from communities, some big conglomerates have acquired lands from within the port areas as well.
He explained that though the port had not started operations, residents were already experiencing the movement of heavy duty vehicles, thereby compounding the already bad traffic situation along the roads.
Another residence, Funmi Ajayi, who lives around Eleko Beach area of the port city, said though the port had not started, residents were already feeling the pressure of traffic in the area.
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He said that the major concern of residents is that what happened in Apapa would be replicated in Lekki, which is a major issue for us residents, but they are expanding the roads.
Managing Director of the Lekki Deep Seaport Mr. Du Ruogang, said the road expansion project would be completed before the port goes into operation.
