By Bayo King

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has commissioned two tug boats; MT Musawa and MT Ikoro-Ekiti in line with Government plan to sustain the ease of doing business at the nation’s sea ports.

A statement signed by Adams Jatto, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications said that at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Amaechi stated that Government is determined to stimulate greater operational efficiency at the nation’s sea ports adding that the maritime sector is critical to the growth of the economy.

According to him, “Government is poised at developing the sector because it occupies a fundamental place in the actualization of the economy recovery growth plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration”.

He added that plans had matured at linking all nations’ ports to rail network in order to facilitate trade across board. The honourable Minister commended the management of NPA in its audacious efforts at repositioning the ports with a competitive edge. Contributing, Chairman Board of Directors of the Authority, Chief Akin Ricketts said the commissioning of the tug boats marked another landmark in government quest to provide world class services at the nation’s seaports whilst highlighting that all hands must be on deck in prioritizing the critical sustenance of the sub sector as a great contributor to the growth of the national economy. Chief Ricketts solicited stakeholders support for synergy in the aspiration of moving the industry forward which should be the concern of all and sundry.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman told stakeholders that the management of the authority is committed to continuous upgrade of facilities and equipment so as to enhance greater service delivery amidst optimal performance. She assured the Shipping community of effective collaboration in the aspiration that the nation’s shipping community joins the comity of nations.

The MD, NPA, appreciated vast encouragement from the presidency, federal executive council, and the minister of transportation while the management navigates through the dictates of repositioning the authority along lines of best practices.

“Let me thank President Muhammadu Buhari and every member of the federal executive council for their support in making this a reality,” she said, adding, “Likewise, I must express our gratitude to the honourable minister of transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for his unceasing encouragement towards improving operational efficiency at the ports,” the MD said.

Picture:  Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), HadizaBala Usman, NPA Board Chairman, Akin Ricketts, the Chairman Ship Owners Forum, Margret Orakwusi christening tug boat, MT Musawa at the occasion in Apapa, Lagos