By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has acquired about seven security patrol boats to boost maritime security and port efficiency in the country.
The security patrol boats were commissioned by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in Lagos.
According to him, the boats were expected to improve efficiency at Nigerian ports.
“I commend the management of the NPA for taking the initiative to strengthen safety in the maritime space. Security is very important, and we need to give it the kind of attention it deserves. We cannot be talking of trying to get the full potentials of the blue economy without strengthening the security aspect of our ports.
“I am delighted to be here and very much believe we are going to have more of these boats. It is deliberate on the part of Mr. President to have created the Marine and Blue Economy ministry. Blue economy has always been there, but not as structured as to generate the kind of revenue a maritime nation like Nigeria should be earning.
“So, part of what we are trying to do is to first ensure maritime security. Secondly we will be talking of automation of the ports to make it more efficient.
“Just two weeks ago, I received the report of the consultant of the Port Community System. Part of that is to drive efficiency at our ports.”
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said that the procurement of the seven security patrol boats was preceded by a robust needs-assessment process undertaken by a highly-experienced team drawn from the agency’s Security and Marine Operations divisions and the Vessel Management Department, who were painstaking and followed through with the product output specification including necessary sea trials.
“This event today is another testament to our commitment to continuous improvement in the journey towards transforming our strategic intent of becoming the maritime logistics hub for sustainable ports services in Africa from potential to actualities.
“Enhanced Maritime Safety, Security and Compliance to global acceptable standards are some of Nigerian Ports Authority’s deliverables under the Presidential Priorities of Federal Government of Nigeria.
“What we are witnessing today, therefore, is pursuant to achieving these deliverables and aligns with the presidential directives regarding performance of MDAs.
“In addition to positioning us to fulfill the fundamental requirement of security, which constitutes a critical success factor in fulfilling two crucial aspects of our post-concession statutory mandates of regulating maritime business and promoting ports security and safe haven for ships and safeguarding and securing assets of the Authority while maintaining their optimal use,” he added.
According to him, the deployment of these state-of-the-art Security Patrol Boats takes Nigeria a notch higher in the nation’s compliance with the dictates of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code of the International Maritime Organisation.
“I, therefore, want to on behalf of the management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority, commend and appreciate our amiable minister for his tireless endorsement of our efforts at enhancing the competitiveness of our Ports.
“Our profound appreciation also goes to our highly-valued security partners: the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, the DSS and the Lagos State government whose collaborations continue to enhance our ability to detect, deter and respond to security threats and incidents before they fester,” he explained.