Port efficiency: NPA launches 4 tug boats to facilitate speedy port operations, safety

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commissioned four tug boats to enhance Port efficiency and meet Stakeholder’s expectations in the shipping sector, even as she appealed to stakeholders in the maritime sector to support the Federal Government in her efforts to diversify the economy.

NPA MD, Hadiza Bala Usman (2nd right); Senator Binta Masi Garba (right); Barr. Mrs. Constance Harry Onukwagha (left), President, LCCI, Mrs. Nike Akande (2nd Left) at the commissioning of Four (4) new tug boats at NPA Dockyard, Apapa, Lagos.

Managing Director, NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the Authority 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.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, NPA, Elder Nduonofit Effiong, noted that 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, Barister Mrs. Constance Harry Onukwagha, Chief (Dr.) Mrs Adenike Akande and Senator Binta Masi Garba in that order., added that the vessels were capable of performing multiple functions which include fire fighting, search and rescue capabilities.

According to Usman, “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 NPA boss 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, the distinguished 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.

Speaking in the same vein, 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 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, 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” 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.

NPA MD, Hadiza Bala Usman strategizing with the General Managers, Public Affairs, Elder Effiong Nduonofit; Monitoring and Compliance, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, to the MD’s left is NPA Board Member, Barr. Mrs. Constance Harry Onukwagha and Rear Admiral FD Bobai (left) at the commissioning of Four (4) new tug boats at NPA Dockyard, Apapa, Lagos.

The very memorable event was witnessed by top Management of the Organization, the Executive Directors Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Huttin Davies, Engineering and Technical Services, Professor Idris Abubakar and Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello Koko.

The Director-General, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Bashir Jamo, commended NPA for the achievement, added that it was a needed investment in the nation’s maritime infrastructure development.

He said, “It gives me great pleasure today to be in your midst on this occasion of the launching of newly acquired tug boats by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman on the huge investment on infrastructure since assumption of office.

“This is commendable and will no doubt assist in the daily operations of the Authority as well as enhance the turn-around time of vessels calling at the ports.

“Before now, attention had always been in the recurrent expenditure in Nigeria, but with the advent of the current administration, focus has shifted to the capital expenditure which is the catalyst to economic growth and development. And so this is a right step in the right direction.”

The MD, PTOL, Mrs. Lizzy Obvude among others also congratulated NPA for its achievement.

HarboursandPort: 04/05/2017