The port is at the center of a master plan. An airport, a new railway and new roads will be built near the port, and a lot of companies that need the services of the port will grow, making the area around the port a vibrant economic hub, she said, adding about 170,000 jobs will be created.

"Lekki Port is a beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative, which I believe is very beneficial to Africa," she said. "The port is a game-changer for us. For the economy, for the people, for the whole of West Africa region, this port changes everything. It helps us to regain the preeminent leadership role in Africa."

Du, from China Harbour Engineering Company, said major infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Port in Africa could not have been completed without the backing of China and the BRI.

"We have got great support from various parties in the building and operation of the port, including a $600-million loan from the China Development Bank," he said. "Previously we did not seek long-term investment in Africa due to various reasons, but with the Belt and Road Initiative, we have more confidence in business here for long-term development."

Although big Chinese enterprises have been encouraged to expand to the overseas markets over the past decades, the BRI emphasizes more on cooperation and mutual benefit, and has won both policy support from China and reorganization from other countries, Du said.