Lekki Seaport: FG moves to deepen port efficiency for trade facilitation as Minister inaugurates 2 tugboats
Maureen Aguta
Determined to deepen the efficiency of Lekki Deep Seaport to boost trade facilitation, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola on Thursday commissioned three state-of-the-arts newly acquired 80-ton bollard-pull tugboats to serve the deep seaport.
The two operational vessels christened, MT IRAGBIJI, and MT BAMA are expected to enhance port security, patrol, and surveillance, as well as deliver efficient pilotage and towage services in support of the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, Minister Oyetola emphasized the importance of efficient port operations in accelerating economic growth.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maximising the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and optimising the country’s competitive edge as a littoral nation.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, explained that the acquisition of the tugboats is part of the Authority’s strategy to attain regional hub status and provide efficient services to domestic and transit cargo.
He further explained the Lekki corridor’s potential for energy self-sufficiency, agricultural growth, and trade transshipment capacity, with the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals; and Nigeria’s first fully automated deep seaport.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, assured that Customs would continue to work with the NPA to develop the export sector, automate processes, decongest the port, and ensure port efficiency.
The commissioning of the two modern tugboats marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its maritime capacity and enhance its position as a leading maritime nation in the West and Central African sub-region.