During the inauguration in Apapa, Lagos, Oyetola announced
the christening of two boats, MT Iragbiji and MT Bama. These vessels are
anticipated to bolster port security, patrol, and surveillance operations.
Additionally, he mentioned that the vessels will facilitate
effective pilotage and towage operations, thereby improving cargo evacuation
within the Lekki Ports corridor.
Oyetola stated that the acquisition of the marine craft
represented a significant step towards improving port efficiency and
reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a prominent maritime nation within the
region.
“In line with our strategic vision, the acquisition of these
cutting-edge marine vessels underscores our unwavering commitment to
capitalizing on the immense potential offered by the African Continental Free
Trade Area Agreement.” Oyetola said.
He added that the current administration is dedicated to
making investments in the development of the nation’s maritime resources.
The previous Governor of Osun State noted that the ministry
acknowledges the crucial function that effective port operations serve in
expediting economic growth, emphasizing that the ministry will undertake all
necessary actions to modernize the current infrastructure.
“We are determined to optimise our competitive edge as a
littoral nation and deepen our efficiencies through the deployment of
cutting-edge technology and equipment,” Oyetola said.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority,
Mohammed Bello-Koko, recently announced the acquisition of new vessels as part
of a strategic plan to enhance the authority’s regional hub status. This
acquisition aims to efficiently serve domestic cargo needs, regain transit
cargo lost to neighboring maritime countries, and cater to the maritime
requirements of landlocked neighbors.
Bello-Koko outlined a three-pronged strategy driven by
people, technology, and infrastructure, emphasizing the deployment of
state-of-the-art vessels to achieve these objectives.
He asserted that the acquisition of the marine vessel was in
line with the fulfillment of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s deliverables under
the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond. The objective is to optimize
Nigeria’s marine and blue economy by providing pertinent marine technology and
equipment.
“The marine crafts would be deployed to serve operations at
the Lekki corridor,” Bello-Koko said.
The hosting of a 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery,
Africa’s largest granulated urea fertilizer complex, and Nigeria’s first fully
automated deep seaport, capable of berthing Super Post Panamax sized ships, is
a significant milestone. These commissioning and ancillary deployments are
strategic measures to accommodate the projected increase in demand going
forward.
“Through these commissioning and ancillary deployments, we
are implementing mechanisms to accommodate the projected ongoing growth,” the
NPA boss assured.
Bello-Koko expressed his appreciation to the minister for
the ongoing assistance that has allowed the Ports Authority to improve its
operational efficiencies.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy
for their pivotal role in fostering efficient service delivery within the
nation’s port industry.
He emphasized that trade facilitation is inextricably linked
to efficiency, and only by achieving efficient service delivery can Nigeria
reclaim cargo that has been diverted to neighboring West African ports.
In addition, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale
Adeniyi, stated that the service has found it advantageous to collaborate with
the NPA in developing the export sector, automating Customs processes,
alleviating port congestion, and enhancing port efficiency.
According to him, the partnership between Customs and NPA
has begun to yield positive outcomes, as evidenced by their recent high ranking
by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council. This achievement
aligns with the current administration’s vision to revitalize the Nigerian
maritime sector.
He reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to maintaining its
position at the forefront of the ease of doing business rankings, thereby
contributing to the growth and prosperity of the maritime industry.