In a significant stride towards enhancing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and security, the federal government has announced that the $1.1 billion needed for the rehabilitation of key ports, including the historic Tincan Island Port and Apapa Port, is nearing readiness. This announcement came during the commissioning of seven patrol boats by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) aimed at bolstering port security.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, lauded the NPA’s proactive steps in fortifying maritime safety, emphasizing the pivotal role security plays in unlocking the full potential of the Blue Economy. Oyetola underscored the deliberate efforts to modernize and automate ports, aiming to rival global standards and significantly reduce vessel turnaround time.
Expressing gratitude for President Muhammadu Buhari’s support in creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola assured that the rehabilitation fund for ports is nearly finalized, paving the way for imminent rehabilitation efforts.
Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the NPA, highlighted the meticulous needs assessment process preceding the procurement of the security patrol boats, emphasizing their role in aligning with international maritime security standards. He refrained from divulging specific details about the boats’ capabilities due to security concerns but emphasized their game-changing impact on maritime security preparedness.
The deployment of these state-of-the-art patrol boats not only enhances security measures but also aligns with the government’s directive to drive increased vessel traffic to Eastern Ports, including Onne, Rivers, Warri, and Calabar Port Complexes. Bello-Koko reiterated the commitment to bolstering the Eastern Ports’ fortunes through advocacy and stakeholder engagement, ensuring sustained growth in maritime activities in the region.