Punch news report that, Federal Government has inaugurated two new tugboats, MT Iragbiji and MT Bama, at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commissioned the 80 tons of bollard pull tugboats, which are expected to enhance the berthing of vessels and support port security, patrol, and surveillance.
The tugboats will also facilitate efficient pilotage and towage services, cargo evacuation, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in the region. The acquisition is part of the government's efforts to maximize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and invest in developing the nation's maritime assets.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, stated that the deployment of the tugboats will enable the authority to attain a regional hub status, service domestic cargo needs, win back transit cargo, and position Nigeria to cater to the maritime requirements of landlocked neighbors.
The NPA has deployed a three-pronged strategy driven by people, technology, infrastructure, and equipment, including the state-of-the-art vessels. The marine craft will be deployed to serve operations at the Lekki corridor, which has become a hub for actualizing Nigeria's quest for self-sufficiency in energy, agricultural growth, and trade transshipment capacity.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended the NPA for its efforts to develop the export sector, automate Customs processes, decongest the port, and ensure port efficiency. The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, lauded the NPA and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for their role in driving efficient service delivery in the nation's port industry.
Photo Credit The Punch