Citing need for greater operational efficiency at the nation’s Seaports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday in Lagos commissioned four new tug boats valued at $30 million.
Christened Mt. Daura, Mt. Ubima, Mt. Uromi and Mt. Majiya, the tug boats are expected to sustain efficiency and boost revenue profile of the Federal Government.
At the colourful ceremony witnessed by stakeholders in the sector, the tug boats were unveiled by the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, Barister Mrs. Constance Harry Onukwagha, Chief (Dr.) Mrs Adenike Akande and Senator Binta Masi Garba respectively.
Speaking at the event, Hadiza Bala Usman explained that commissioning of the tug boats are intended to enhance Port efficiency and meet Stakeholder’s expectations.
The NPA boss also used the opportunity to urge stakeholders in the sector to support onging Federal Government effort to diversify the economy.
According to her, NPA is fulfilling its obligations to manage the 13.5 metres Lagos Channels as part of measures to address challenges in the Port business.
Usman said: “This is indeed a milestone in the efforts to improve Port efficiency, safety of navigation and in order to boost the good fortune of the Organization and the community at large”.
The MD also added that the partnership with LCM has helped to bring the depth of the channels to more than 13.5 metres, adding that the biggest of the WAFMAX series of vessels will soon call at the Lagos Ports.
Explaining some of the functions of the tug boats, the MD said she helps bigger vessels attain easy maneuvering and berthing at the quays, as the pilot takes the vessels through.
In her goodwill message, Senator (Mrs) Binta Masi Garba affirmed that commissioning 4 tug boats in one day was laudable and that the National Assembly would do everything to support what the NPA is doing since it would help to improve the economy of the nation especially under the present situation.
In her speech, the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs Adenike Akande while acknowledging that Nigerian women are doing well, commended the NPA MD for achieving so much within a short period.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager, Monitoring and Compliance, Western Ports of the NPA, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu stated that the tug boats are expected expedite voyage to and from the sea in line with changing transport dynamics.
He explained that NPA maintains tier-2 status in line with MARPOL convention with the capability to arrest pollution before they spread to other areas of concerns to delight of Stakeholders. Ebubeogu said the tugs could be used to, amongst other functions, salvage ships which go aground.
In his speech, the Chairman of the NPA Board of Directors, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye extolled the Management for doing a” fantastic job”.
He disclosed that the tugs are expected to enhance the revenue position of the Authority.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral F.D. Bobai also congratulated the efforts of NPA management.
The event was witnessed by Executive Directors Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Huttin Davies, Engineering and Technical Services, Professor Idris Abubakar and Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello Koko.
Amongst other Stakeholders who congratulated the NPA for this achievement included the MD, PTOL, Mrs Lizzy Obvude, the representative of the DG NIMASA, ED Finance and Administration, Mr. Bashir Jamo, among others.
