FG close to securing $800m for port rehabilitation, says Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, yesterday, said the $800 million needed for rehabilitation of the country’s ports was almost ready.

Speaking during the commissioning of seven patrol boats by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Oyetola said the port rehabilitation would commence as soon as the funds are ready.

He said the federal government would ensure automation and modernisation of the seaports for more efficiency to compete with other ports in the world.

“We want to ensure that the vessel turn-around time is reduced to four days as opposed to about six to 10 days that we currently have,” he said.

Speaking on the commissioned patrol boat, Oyetola said they are expected to improve maritime security in the eastern region as well as ensure efficiency at the ports.

He commended the management of the NPA for taking the initiative to strengthen safety in the maritime space, which he said was very important.

“We cannot be talking of trying to achieve the full potential of the blue economy without strengthening the security aspect of our ports. We are going to have more of these boats,” he stated.

Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, explained that the procurement of the seven patrol boats was preceded by a robust need assessment undertaken by a highly experienced team drawn from the agency’s security and marine operations divisions and the vessel management department.

He said it was a testament to the agency’s commitment to continuous improvement in the journey towards transforming the country’s strategic intent of “becoming the maritime logistics hub for sustainable ports services in Africa”.