The administration of Hadiza Bala Usman at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Wednesday launched four (4) new tug boats as part of new drive to reposition the Ports for greater operational efficiency in safety and security.
The tug boats named Mt. Daura, Mt. Ubima, Mt. Uromi and Mt. Majiya were each launched by the Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, Mrs. Constance Harry Onukwagha, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Adenike Akande and Senator Binta Masi Garba in that order. These vessels are capable of performing multiple functions which include firefighting, search and rescue capabilities.
Giving insights on why NPA went for the facility, Usman said the tug boats were acquired to enhance Port efficiency and meet Stakeholder’s expectations in the shipping sector. She sought the collaboration of Stakeholders in the sector to help the Federal Government to diversify the economy.
She said NPA was fulfilling its obligations to manage the 13.5 metres Lagos Channels to address challenges in the Port business in partnership with the Lagos Channel Management Company (LCM). She further stated that about 100 critical wrecks have been removed in the Lagos Channels since the partnership with LCM began years ago.
According to her, “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”.
She 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.
Earlier 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 in the present situation.
President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Akande who acknowledged the feat, averred that Nigerian women are doing well, and 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 were being commissioned and deployed to expedite voyage to and from the sea in line with changing transport dynamics.
He further revealed that the 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 salvage ships which go aground.
Chairman of the NPA Board of Directors, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye extolled the Management for doing a” fantastic job” in launching the boats. He disclosed that the tugs are expected to enhance the revenue position of the Authority and urged the Organization to ensure that Nigeria develops the capacity to build our own likes in the next five years.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral F.D. Bobai congratulated the NPA for the feat and called for greater synergy with the Navy especially in the training of Dock Masters and future Managers of the crafts.
All top Management cadre of NPA including the Executive Directors Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Huttin Davies, Engineering and Technical Services, Professor Idris Abubakar and Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello Koko graced the occasion.
