The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Engr. Omar Suleiman has called for a renewed synergy between the Authority and the Nigerian Navy on maritime’s security, particularly on the detention of merchants vessels.
According to the Managing Director, the renewed synergy especially on the detention of merchant vessels, has become necessary in view of the negative impact such detention has on international trade and the nation’s desire to be a hub in the West African sub-region.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Engr. Omar Suleiman has called for a renewed synergy between the Authority and the Nigerian Navy on maritime’s security, particularly on the detention of merchants vessels.
According to the Managing Director, the renewed synergy especially on the detention of merchant vessels, has become necessary in view of the negative impact such detention has on international trade and the nation’s desire to be a hub in the West African sub-region.
Engr. Suleiman who was speaking in Lagos yesterday when he received the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the West Naval Command Rear Admiral Aminu Ikioda noted that the demurrage incurred as a result of such detentions are usually passed to the consumers, by way of higher prices of goods in the nation.
The Managing Director told the FOC the efforts of the Authority in the areas of channels expansion and the provision of mooring buoys along the channels.
He said the Authority has achieved substantial progress on the expansion of its channels to enable it accommodate bigger vessels in order ensure to ensure navigational efficiency, adding that the organisation is also installing mooring buoys along its channels to ensure improved pilotage.
Engr. Suleiman, who commended the cordial relationship between the Authority and the Navy noted that the two establishments have the common goal of developing the maritime potentials of the nation and reassured that the NPA will continue to support the service to ensure its greater success at all times.
Responding, the Flag Officer thanked the Managing Director for the Authority’s swift response to the service request for TUG boats and other logistical supports each time such requests are made.
Rear Admiral Ikiode said he was happy with the Authority on the issue of channel expansion and the provision of mooring buoys at the channels, pointing out that the efforts will go a long way in ensuring navigational safety in the nation’s channels.
While assuring that the Western Naval Command will continue to collaborate and cooperate with the Authority on maritime security, he said the command will not hesitate to solicit for assistance from the organisation whenever the need arises.
Discussion about this post