Oyetola commissions newly acquired hi-tech maritime crafts. …..underscores FG’s stance to optimise Nigeria’s competitive edge as littoral nation.
Oru Leonard
To enhance ports efficiency as well as strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in the West Africa region, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola has commissioned three newly acquired 80 tons Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboats to complement the existing assets of the nation’s maritime tugboats.
The Minister at the commissioning yesterday, June 4, 2024, at the Apapa Dockyard in Lagos, stated that the acquisition of these high capacity tugboats is an assertion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s resolve to invest in the development of maritime assets in the country.
According to Oyetola, the Ministry through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recognises the focal role that an efficient port operations play in accelerating economic growth hence the recent acquisition. This is even as he assured that the government will do all within its forte to update more of the facilities within Nigeria’s maritime space.
Further, Oyetola revealed that the ministry through the NPA and its other agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) and the others, is taking several measures to reform and reposition the ports and the maritime sector for greater efficiency. This, he asserted, is for the country to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) Agreement. He also expressed happiness that the efforts of his Ministry and Agencies are being recognised at the quarters that matter.
“I am pleased to note that our efforts are being recognised and applauded. The recognition of the Ministry by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, Kassim Shettima, GCON, as the best performing Ministry at the recently concluded 120-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Plan (RRAP).”
He assured that the Ministry shall not rest on its oars but will follow up and ensure that all key components that will make the nation’s ports competitive, effective and efficient are addressed.
“By acquiring these modern marine crafts, we are reaffirming our commitment to maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. 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,” he stated.
The tugboats christened MT Iragbiji, MT Daura, and MT Bama, are expected to support port security, patrol and surveillance and to deliver efficient pilotage and towage services towards addressing the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor.
(MOM& BE Press)
