Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Thursday commissioned two newly acquired 80 tons bollard pull tugboats deployed to enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport in Ibeju-Lekki zone of Lagos state.
Christened MT IRAGBIJI and MT BAMA, the vessels are expected to support port security, patrol, and surveillance and to deliver efficient pilotage and towage services that would help the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor.
Speaking at the commissioning in Lagos on Thursday, Oyetola said the investment into acquiring the marine craft is a step towards enhancing port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in the region.
According to him, the present administration is committed to investing in developing the nation’s maritime assets.
“We recognise the critical role that efficient port operations play in accelerating economic growth and will do all that is required to update the existing facilities to deliver on this.
Earlier, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said the acquisition would enable the Ports Authority to attain a regional hub status by efficiently servicing domestic cargo needs, winning back transit cargo hitherto lost to maritime neighbours and positioning to cater to the maritime requirements of landlocked neighbours.