Nigerian Ports Authority Christens New Tugboats, MT IRAGBIJI and MT BAMA
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its operational capacity and supporting the berthing of large vessels at the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Refinery. The Authority recently commissioned two newly acquired tugboats, christened MT IRAGBIJI and MT BAMA, at a ceremony in Lagos.
Investment in Modernization and Efficiency
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasized the importance of this investment in improving port efficiency and solidifying Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime leader. The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s maritime assets and ensuring efficient port operations to accelerate economic growth.
Optimizing for AfCFTA and Regional Trade
The acquisition of these state-of-the-art tugboats signifies Nigeria’s commitment to maximizing the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Equipping the ports with cutting-edge technology strengthens Nigeria’s competitive edge in the region.
NPA’s Strategy for Regional Hub Status
Mohammed Bello Koko, Managing Director of the NPA, explained how these new tugboats align with the NPA’s broader strategy. The Authority aims to achieve regional hub status by:
- Efficiently serving domestic cargo needs
- Recapturing lost transit cargo from neighboring countries
- Catering to the maritime needs of landlocked nations
Supporting Increased Maritime Activity at Lekki Corridor
The NPA plans to deploy the MT IRAGBIJI and MT BAMA to serve the Lekki corridor, a strategic zone for achieving self-sufficiency in energy, agricultural growth, and trade transshipment. Data from the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex indicates significant activity with increasing vessel traffic.
Collaboration for Improved Trade Facilitation
The event also featured remarks from representatives of other key maritime stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). All parties emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving efficiency and trade facilitation within the Nigerian maritime sector.
This investment in modern tugboats signifies a positive step forward for the Nigerian Ports Authority and the nation’s maritime industry as a whole. By prioritizing efficiency and strategic partnerships, Nigeria is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth potential of the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Refinery, while also strengthening its role as a key player in West African trade.
