Melka West Africa to boost service with new tugboat

FORMER Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, George Obiozor, has called on the government to partner entrepreneurs in the maritime and Oil and Gas sector with a view of reducing the rate of unemployment in the country.

Obiozor made this disclosure at the launch of the MT Noami Princess, a 32m-class Azimuth stern drive tugboat with a speed of 12.0 knots, acquired by business mogul, Mr. Michael Uwaka.

Uwaka is the Managing Director of Melka West Africa, a maritime and oil servicing company in Lagos.

Speaking on the entrepreneurial challenges facing businesses in Nigeria Obiozor noted: “It is no news that in spite of Nigeria’s potentials, the country remains remarkable for its widespread poverty.

“The Nigerian government as well as the banks operating in the country should take Nigerian entrepreneurs serious as they are the government’s principal partners. Partners in finding solutions of the country’s problems of unemployment, job creation and control of capital flight.”

At the event, which was held at the Naval Dockyard jetty, Victoria Island, Lagos, Obiozor also, Melka West Africa has been at the forefront of creating jobs for Nigerian youths.

According to him, “Chief Mike Uwaka and his company, therefore, are to be commended for responding to government’s clarion call. Through the Nigerian content policy, championing the course of higher indigenous participation in the sector and value added for the nation.”

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Melka WA, Uwaka, said the acquisition of the tugboat was in fulfillment of their vision to achieve and maintain a leadership position as the preferred marine and security services provider in the sector.

He said, “The Noami Princess is a sophisticated marine tugboat acquired by Melka West Africa this year and it provides for easy line handling, crude oil tanker services and offshore stop gap work site. Some of its special features include fire fighting and water spraying capabilities, state of the art technologies and unrestricted navigation.

“It also has engineering precision with a bollard pull of seventy tones, and long voyage amenities including a mess hall, kitchen and sleeping quarters.”