Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), stated that the authority's mandatory vessel pilotage program effectively supports the oil, gas, and related sectors of the economy.
This was stated by Bello-Koko in Lagos State during a presentation shared at a forum hosted by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on port strategies to promote the seamless import of petroleum products.
Even in a regime where subsidies are removed, Bello-Koko, who was accompanied by Ayodele Durowaiye, General Manager of the Office of the Managing Director, stated that mooring, towage, and pilotage services are some of the main sectors that support the oil industry.
He claims that the NPA has made significant investments in providing direct ship berthing facilities while collaborating with important non-governmental and governmental partners like the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
As a guest speaker at a gathering put on by stakeholders involved in oil importation, the NPA MD noted that the organization has consistently made equipment purchases to support its activities in a number of pilotage districts.
Bello-Koko provided a summary of NPA interventions in four pilotage districts and other operational areas. He added that in addition to the platforms already in place, the NPA purchased two units of 80 Bollard Pull Tugs to support its operations at Dangote and Pinnacle Oil. As the authority's assessment indicates greater potential for increased oil-related maritime operations in the Lekki axis in the future, he assured that more are expected.
On dredging to support vessel navigation, he said, “NPA dredging campaigns are regularly undertaken notably in Lagos where we have a joint venture (JV) relationship with the Lagos Channel Management (LCM) and Bonny Channel Management, for the Bonny /Port Harcourt axis.”
This is for dredging that is done for both capital and maintenance purposes so that larger draft ships can easily and affordably access the ports.
“In Warri Pilotage District, the restriction to the port in Warri is that of cargo that can be loaded, not necessarily the size of the vessel. The authority is working hard to address the issue of collapsed breakwater moles which causes serious siltation into the Escravos Channel. The consultancy service for the project has been completed and advert for bidding by contractors will soon be out
“For the Calabar Channel Management, there is a Presidential directive that all court cases involving the parties should be suspended to pave way for take off of the channel management company joint venture relationship. This is a good development that will eventually ensure dredging campaign that addresses the restrictions to the cargo volumes that can be loaded onboard vessels arriving the port,” he said.
