The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority has reiterated the Authority’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Navy to ensure safe navigation on the country’s territorial waters.
Speaking during the courtesy visit of the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas , the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi informed the visitors that the organisation has received additional boats which will complement the functions of the Nigerian Navy.
The Managing Director added that NPA will give all necessary support and assistance to the Navy in performing its constitutional responsibility especially in the area of strict compliance of ships at the anchorage to security regulations, assuring that the Authority would liaise with the Nigerian Navy on their specification of boats when purchasing more boats in the future.
Mallam Abdullahi also appealed to the Navy to fast track approval for NPA to dredge and widen the protruding jetty which will improve shipping operation and would be mutually beneficial to both NPA and the Navy.
Earlier in his speech, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas commended the management of NPA for its support and assistance over the years, adding that the Navy would appreciate, if NPA would in the future provide boats which are in the excess of 32 meters to the Command, in order to further make the waters safer and more customer friendly since both organisations operate within the maritime domain.
The FOC who said the visit was his first outing to any establishment since he has taken over the office, pledged continuous collaboration with NPA by sharing in the Authority’s vision of “delivering efficient port services in safe and secure environment” for the improved economic benefits of the maritime industry and Nigeria at large.
Present during the courtesy visit were NPA’s Executive Directors, Marine and Operations, Engr. David Omonibeke, Engineering and Technical Services, Mallam Mohammed Sani Saleh amongst others, while on the entourage of the FOC were Chief of Logistics, Commodore PA Onaji, Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore COR Ezekobe etc.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 1, 2013; Image: USNI