Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, promoters of Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Seaport, is planning to fund an $800 million rail connection, The Punch newspaper said, citing Chief Operating Officer Enterprise Laurence Smith.

The rail connection will ensure easier and more effective evacuation of cargoes from the port, he said, adding it is an integral part of port operations.

Smith noted that 30% and 70% of cargoes are evacuated in Europe and North America by rail, respectively, as it is cheaper and reduces road congestion.

Lekki Port has obtained the government’s approval to set up the railway, which will span from the port to the proposed eastern coastal rail through Ijebu-Ode, said Lekki Port LFTZ Deputy Chief Operating Officer Daniel Odibe.